They have had their genes changed to contain a special characteristic, like resistance to certain insects.

VOA: special.2010.11.09

In the last two centuries, both these most characteristic elements of Western civilization have in fact become increasingly under heavy attack.

近两个世纪以来,西方文明这些,最具代表性的因素实际上,正遭到越来越多的抨击

耶鲁公开课 - 古希腊历史简介课程节选

We have certain kinds of sensations inside our body, the characteristic sensation of fear or joy or depression.

我们能感受到特定的内在感觉,典型的如恐惧,愉悦,沮丧,等等

耶鲁公开课 - 死亡课程节选

And the Pygmalion effect is if I believe you have a certain characteristic this might cause you to behave as if you have that characteristic.

皮格马利翁效应就是说,如果我相信你有某种特点,就可能导致你表现得,好像你真的有这种特点一样。

耶鲁公开课 - 心理学导论课程节选