characterizing group
char·ac·ter·iz·ing group
a group of atoms in a molecule that distinguishes the class of substances in which it occurs from all other classes; thus, carbonyl (CO) is the characterizing group of ketones; COOH, of carboxylic acids, etc.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
char·ac·ter·iz·ing group
(kar'ăk-tĕr-īz'ing grūp)A group of atoms in a molecule that distinguishes the class of substances in which it occurs from all other classes; thus carbonyl (CO) is the characterizing group of ketones; COOH, of organic acids, among other examples.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012