specific
1spe·cif·ic
adj \spi-ˈsi-fik\Definition of SPECIFIC
1
a : constituting or falling into a specifiable category b : sharing or being those properties of something that allow it to be referred to a particular category
2
a : restricted to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect <a disease specific to horses> b : exerting a distinctive influence (as on a body part or a disease) <specific antibodies>
3
: free from ambiguity : accurate <a specific statement of faith>
4
: of, relating to, or constituting a species and especially a biological species
5
a : being any of various arbitrary physical constants and especially one relating a quantitative attribute to unit mass, volume, or area b : imposed at a fixed rate per unit (as of weight or count) <specific import duties> — compare ad valorem
— spe·cif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See Examples of SPECIFIC
- Is there anything specific you want for dinner?
- There is a specific word for this kind of feeling.
- a bird species that requires a specific environment
- We were each given a specific topic to talk about.
- The doctor gave the patient specific instructions on how to care for the wound.
- Can you be more specific? What exactly did the policeman say?
- He gave her a ring—or, to be more specific, he gave her an engagement ring.
- She was very specific—you have to use a certain kind of tomato in the sauce.
- an education plan specific to each student's interests and abilities
- problems specific to this one housing project
Origin of SPECIFIC
Late Latin specificus, from Latin species
First Known Use: circa 1631
Related to SPECIFIC
Antonyms: nonspecific
Related Words: lone, only, separate, single, sole, solitary; distinctive, exclusive, individual, unique; limited, restricted; differentiated, specialized; given, specified
Rhymes with SPECIFIC
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