- receiver operating c. (ROC) a plot of the sensitivity of a diagnostic test as a function of nonspecificity (one minus the specificity). The ROC curve indicates the intrinsic properties of a test's diagnostic performance and can be used to compare the relative merits of competing procedures.
* * *
char·ac·ter·is·tic .kar-ik-tə-'ris-tik adj serving to reveal and distinguish the individual character
char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē adv
characteristic n a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
* * *
char·ac·ter·is·tic (kar″ak-tər-isґtik) 1. character. 2. typical of an individual or other entity.Medical dictionary. 2011.