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

1. There are approximately 8,000 species of ants.
2. All European domestic cattle belong to the same species.
3. 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

Synonyms

bracket, category, classification, division, family, genus, grade, group, kind, league, order, rank(s), rubric, set, class, tier, type

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

ectomorph, ethnography, prehistory, yurt

²species

adjective

Definition of SPECIES

: belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety <a species rose>

First Known Use of SPECIES

1899

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

spe·cies

noun \ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz, -(ˌ)sēz\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; species

Medical Definition of SPECIES

1

a : 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 the genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name b : an individual or kind belonging to a biological species

2

: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion <production of DNA damage by active oxygen species>

species

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Subdivision of biological classification composed of related organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed. Organisms are grouped into species according to their outer similarities, but more important in classifying organisms that reproduce sexually is their ability to interbreed successfully. To be members of the same species, individuals must be able to mate and produce viable offspring. Because genetic variations originate in individuals which then pass on their variations only within the species, it is at the species level that evolution takes place (see speciation). The international system of binomial nomenclature assigns new species a two-part name.