Characterize

v. t.
  1. To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features.
  2. To engrave or imprint.
  3. To indicate the character of; to describe.
  4. To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of.
  5. (Chem.) to identify the structure or nature of; as, the antibiotic activity in the sample was characterized by HPLC, and proved to be erythromycin.