specific

²specific

noun

Definition of SPECIFIC

1

a : something peculiarly adapted to a purpose or use b : a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease <used as a specific against malaria>

2

a : a characteristic quality or trait b : details, particulars —usually used in plural <haggling over the legal and financial specifics of independence — Time> c plural : specification 2a

Examples of SPECIFIC

1. <quinine is a specific for malaria>
2. <although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics>

First Known Use of SPECIFIC

1661

Related to SPECIFIC

Synonyms: cure, drug, medicament, medication, medicinal, pharmaceutical, physic, remedy, medicine

Related Words: cure-all, nostrum, panacea; botanical, patent medicine, prescription, prescription drug; cordial, potion, tonic; miracle drug, wonder drug; cap, capsule, pill, tablet; injection, shot; embrocation, liniment, lotion, ointment, potion, poultice, salve; syrup (also sirup), tincture; antibiotic, antiseptic, serum; cathartic, purgative

Near Antonyms: error, fallacy, falsehood, inaccuracy, misconception, misstatement, myth

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with SPECIFIC

febrific