definitions

idiosyncrasy

[ id-ee-uh-sing-kruh-see, -sin- ]
/ ˌɪd i əˈsɪŋ krə si, -ˈsɪn- /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR idiosyncrasy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural id·i·o·syn·cra·sies.

a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual.
the physical constitution peculiar to an individual.
a peculiarity of the physical or the mental constitution, especially susceptibility toward drugs, food, etc.Compare allergy(def 1).

RELATED CONTENT

Where Did “Thirty Days Has September …” Come From?This mnemonic helps us keep our months and days straight. But, where did it come from?
READ MORE
Why Is It Called Soccer?In a few countries this game is referred to by names having nothing to do with balls - it is called soccer. Why do American English speakers do this?
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

eccentricity, peculiarity, mannerism, trait, habit, characteristic, feature, trick, affectation, distinction, singularity, bit

Nearby words

idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, idiopathy, idiophone, idioplasm, idiosyncrasy, idiosyncratic, idiot, idiot board, idiot box, idiot card
Also idiocrasy.

Origin of idiosyncrasy

1595–1605; < Greek idiosynkrāsía, equivalent to idio- idio- + syn- syn- + krâs(is) a blending + -ia -y3

Related forms

id·i·o·syn·crat·ic [id-ee-oh-sin-krat-ik, -sing-] /ˌɪd i oʊ sɪnˈkræt ɪk, -sɪŋ-/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for idiosyncrasy

British Dictionary definitions for idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy

/ (ˌɪdɪəʊˈsɪŋkrəsɪ) /

noun plural -sies

a tendency, type of behaviour, mannerism, etc, of a specific person; quirk
the composite physical or psychological make-up of a specific person
an abnormal reaction of an individual to specific foods, drugs, or other agents

Word Origin for idiosyncrasy

C17: from Greek idiosunkrasia, from idio- + sunkrasis mixture, temperament, from sun- syn- + kerannunai to mingle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy

[ ĭd′ē-ō-sĭng′krə-sē ]

n.

A structural or behavioral trait peculiar to an individual or a group.
A physiological or temperamental peculiarity.
An unusual individual reaction to food or a drug.

Related forms

id′i•o•syn•crat′ic (-sĭn-krăt′ĭk) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.