IDIOSYNCRASY

idiosyncrasy, foible, mannerism

(noun) a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

idiosyncrasy (plural idiosyncrasies)

A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person.

A language or behaviour that is particular to an individual or group.

(medicine) A peculiar individual reaction to a generally innocuous substance or factor.

A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify.

Synonyms

• eccentricity

• foible

• habit

• mannerism

• oddity

• quirk

• vagary

Source: Wiktionary

---

Id`i*o*syn"cra*sy, n.; pl. Idiosyncrasies. Etym: [Gr. idiosyncrasie. See Idiom, and Crasis.]

Definition: A peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament; a characteristic belonging to, and distinguishing, an individual; characteristic susceptibility; idiocrasy; eccentricity. The individual mind . . . takes its tone from the idiosyncrasies of the body. I. Taylor.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---