species
1spe·cies
noun \ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz, -(ˌ)sēz\ plural species
Definition of SPECIES
1
a : kind, sort b : a class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name; specifically : a logical division of a genus or more comprehensive class <confessing sins in species and in number> c : the human race : human beings —often used with the <survival of the species in the nuclear age> d (1) : a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of a genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name (2) : an individual or kind belonging to a biological species e : a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion
2
: the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist
3
a : a mental image; also : a sensible object b : an object of thought correlative with a natural object
Examples of SPECIES
- There are approximately 8,000 species of ants.
- All European domestic cattle belong to the same species.
- laws that protect endangered species
Origin of SPECIES
Middle English, from Latin, appearance, kind, species, from specere to look — more at spy
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to SPECIES
Related Words: description, feather, ilk, kidney, like, manner, nature, sort; branch, section, speciality, specialty, subclass, subdivision, subgroup, subspecies, variety; breed, race; generation; heading, label, title
Other Anthropology Terms
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