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Webster 1913 Edition


Idiosyncrasy

Idˊi-o-syn′cra-sy

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Idiosyncrasies
(#)
.
[Gr. [GREEK];
ἴδιοσ
proper, peculiar + [GREEK] a mixing together, fr. [GREEK] to mix together; [GREEK] with + [GREEK] to mix: cf. F.
idiosyncrasie
. See
Idiom
, and
Crasis
.]
A peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament; a characteristic belonging to, and distinguishing, an individual; characteristic susceptibility; idiocrasy; eccentricity.

Webster 1828 Edition


Idiosyncrasy

IDIOSYN'CRASY

,
Noun.
[Gr. proper, with, and temperament.] A peculiar temperament or organization of a body, by which it is rendered more liable to certain disorders than bodies differently constituted.

Definition 2024


idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy

English

Noun

idiosyncrasy (plural idiosyncrasies)

  1. A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person.
  2. A language or behaviour that is particular to an individual or group.
  3. (medicine) A peculiar individual reaction to a generally innocuous substance or factor.
  4. A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify.
    He mastered the idiosyncrasies of English spelling.

Synonyms

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See also

References

  • idiosyncrasy in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • idiosyncrasy in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913