characterized

American

[kar-ik-tuh-rahyzd] / ˈkær ɪk təˌraɪzd /

especially British, characterised

adjective

having been described or distinguished.

Further identification is possible by comparing the unknown organism with a characterized organism.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of characterize.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of characterized

characterize ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to the researchers, this is the first time a double ring-slipped sandwich intermediate has been fully characterized at the molecular level.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

It has characterized these unrealized gains, on its earnings calls, as the fruits of savvy investment shopping.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Sander’s involvement with the avant-garde Cologne Progressives and New Objectivity art movements explains the extent of “The Artists”; most of the subjects in this section are not only characterized but named.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

Litafik, a seasoned Kentucky political strategist, which he characterized as the heart of Massie’s specific brand of conservative politics.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

One of its officials characterized the whole program as “ill advised, hastily conceived, poorly planned, and a glaring example of riding roughshod over the responsibilities of other public and private agencies.”

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023