The word 特点 (tèdiǎn) is formed by conceptually combining two characters: 特, which carries the meaning of "special" or "unique", and 点, which in this context means "point" or "spot". Together, they create a compound idea where the "point" or "aspect" (点) of something is identified as its distinct, "special" (特) mark or quality, thus forming the complete notion of a "distinguishing feature" or "characteristic".