peculiarity
UK: pɪˌkjuːliˈærəti | US: pɪˌkjuːliˈærəti
n. a distinctive or unusual feature or characteristic
n. the quality of being peculiar; oddness or eccentricity
The word "peculiarity" derives from the Latin peculiaris, meaning "private property" or "distinctive," which itself comes from peculium (personal property). Over time, "peculiar" evolved in English to mean "uniquely one's own," later shifting to "unusual" or "odd." The suffix "-ity" (from Latin -itas) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. Thus, "peculiarity" literally means "the quality of being peculiar"—highlighting uniqueness or strangeness.
The peculiarity of his handwriting made it easily recognizable.
Each culture has its own peculiarities that may seem strange to outsiders.
The scientist studied the peculiarity of the plant's growth pattern.
Her peculiarity of laughing at serious moments often confused people.
The town's architectural peculiarity attracts many tourists.