Definitions of characteristic:

• noun:   a distinguishing quality
• noun:   any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions
• noun:   the integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the characteristic is 2
• noun:   a prominent aspect of something

  Example: "Generosity is one of his best characteristics"

• adjective:   typical or distinctive

  Example: "Heard my friend's characteristic laugh"