specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

ˌspes-fə-

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something

—usually used in plural

b

: a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms)

also : a single item of such statement

c

: a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought

Examples of specification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Schmitz advises districts to provide clear specifications within each school about what is allowed, what is not allowed, and to clearly define what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools in academic work. —Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 25 Oct. 2024

Involving the platform’s developers in this process can also refine the specifications. —Tomer Guriel, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

The new specifications, the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) and Credential Exchange Format (CXF), are designed to fill that gap. —Jay Peters, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2024

Although no technical specifications have been made public yet, the concept from last year had a 2,625-lb (1,190-kg) curb weight and used a rear motor with 268 horsepower (200 kW) output. —New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspes-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of specifying

2

a

: a description of work to be done or materials to be used

—usually used in plural

the architect's specifications for a new building

b

: a single specified item

Legal Definition

specification

noun

spec·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌspe-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something: as

a

: a written statement containing a description of particulars (as of charges or contract terms)

b

: a written description of an invention or discovery for which a patent is sought that embodies the manner and process of making and using the invention or discovery and concludes with a claim of that aspect for which the applicant demands credit

c

: a written description of construction work to be done forming part of the contract

—usually used in pl.