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idiosyncrasy

id·i·o·syn·cra·sy [ ìddee ə síngkrəssee ] (plural id·i·o·syn·cra·sies)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. quirk: a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is peculiar to an individual or group, especially an odd or unusual one

2. unusual response to something: an unusual or exaggerated reaction to a drug or food that is not caused by an allergy

[Early 17th century. Directly or via French idiosyncrasie< Greek idiosugkrasia, literally "personal mixing together" < krasis "mixing"]

id·i·o·syn·crat·ic [ ìddee ə sing kráttik ] adjective
id·i·o·syn·crat·i·cal·ly [ ìddee əsing kráttikəlee ] adverb
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