distinctive feature

American  

noun

Linguistics.

1. a feature of the sound system of a language that serves as the crucial distinguishing mark between two phonemes, as the distinctive feature of voicing, which distinguishes b from p in English, or nasality, which distinguishes m from b and p.

2. any of a set of phonetic properties, as coronal, nasal, or strident, serving as a basic unit of phonological analysis by which the sounds that are significant in a language can be characterized and distinguished from one another.

3. a component or phonetic feature characterizing a phoneme.

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Etymology

Origin of distinctive feature

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The finding suggests that this type of compositionality may be a distinctive feature of the prefrontal cortex.

From Science Daily

How such a distinctive feature remained hidden for so long became clear as scientists examined historical research methods.

From Science Daily

Great British Chefs specified that tonka’s “most distinctive feature” is their “enormous potency — heady vanilla flavours, with oily clove aromas, and perfumed magnolia, sandalwood notes.”

From Salon

Judge Capstick said a distinctive feature belonging to the teenager could be matched to the figure shown on the footage.

From BBC

BBC Verify has confirmed this was filmed at the north-western part of the town by matching distinctive features shown on satellite maps.

From BBC