Final answer:
A proportionate mortality rate is a measure used to describe the proportion of deaths in a defined population that is attributable to a specific cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
A proportionate mortality rate is a measure used to describe the proportion of deaths in a defined population that is attributable to a specific cause. This statement is true and is a key characteristic of proportionate mortality rates.
The incorrect statement would be C) This measure is used to describe the total number of deaths in a defined population, including all causes. While proportionate mortality rates do describe deaths in a defined population, they specifically focus on the proportion of deaths that is attributable to a specific cause, not all causes.