A "differentiating characteristic" refers to a specific quality or feature that sets something or someone apart from others and makes them unique or distinct. It is something that helps identify or distinguish them from others. Full definition
Whether the ski area has a duty to mitigate this risk is at the heart of many cases, and is a key differentiated characteristic of the various state laws. (chalatlaw.com)
The new method relies on a measurement principle that sorts cells by differentiating their characteristic surface free energies. (sciencedaily.com)
There are hence three differentiating characteristics implied by his use of the term «psyche» which make it inapplicable even to all individuals. (religion-online.org)