idiosyncrasy

The definition of an idiosyncrasy is an unusual behavior, mannerism or reaction of a person or group of people.

(noun)

An example of idiosyncrasy is someone being allergic to air.

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See idiosyncrasy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. idiosyncrasies

  1. the temperament or mental constitution peculiar to a person or group
  2. any personal peculiarity, mannerism, etc.
  3. an individual reaction to a drug, food, etc. that is different from the reaction of most people

Origin: Gr idiosynkrasia < idio-, one's own, peculiar (see idio-) + synkrasis, a mixing together, tempering < synkerannynai, to mix together < syn-, together + kerannynai, to mix < IE *ere-, to mix > rare, Ger rühren, to stir

Related Forms:

See idiosyncrasy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. id·i·o·syn·cra·sies
  1. A structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group.
  2. A physiological or temperamental peculiarity.
  3. An unusual individual reaction to food or a drug.

Origin:

Origin: Greek idiosunkrāsiā

Origin: : idio-, idio-

Origin: + sunkrāsis, mixture, temperament (sun-, syn- + krāsis, a mixing; see kerə- in Indo-European roots)

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Related Forms:

  • idˌi·o·syn·cratˈic (-sĭn-krătˈĭk) adjective
  • idˌi·o·syn·cratˈi·cal·ly adverb

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