specificity
noun
spec·i·fic·i·ty
ˌspe-sə-ˈfi-sə-tē 
: the quality or condition of being specific: such as
a
: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms
host specificity of a parasite
b
: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions
the specificity of an enzyme
Examples of specificity in a Sentence
I was impressed by the specificity of her instructions.
the specificity of your description of your medical condition was a bit more than I needed
Recent Examples on the Web
The medical examiner detailed the events slowly and with painstaking specificity.
—
Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024
There was just no rush whatsoever in trying to create and find the truth within the specificities of movement.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Apr. 2024
That microbial specificity could explain why koalas are sometimes unable to diversify their diets, even in the face of starvation.
—Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Learn about sensitivity and specificity and how they are used to select appropriate testing and interpret the results.
—Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2024
While his earlier work felt engrossing because of the urgency and specificity bursting from each word, the thrills in Black Sheep come from Cakes da Killa’s technical skill.
—Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 21 Mar. 2024
This specificity meant that Flynn and Scott, as well as Dakota Fanning, who plays Marge, were called into rehearse scenes sometimes several months before the actual filming would take place.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
Writing with specificity answers reader questions and overcomes objections—in advance.
—Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
And with all storytelling, specificity is universal.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024
Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024
There was just no rush whatsoever in trying to create and find the truth within the specificities of movement.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Apr. 2024
That microbial specificity could explain why koalas are sometimes unable to diversify their diets, even in the face of starvation.
—Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Learn about sensitivity and specificity and how they are used to select appropriate testing and interpret the results.
—Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2024
While his earlier work felt engrossing because of the urgency and specificity bursting from each word, the thrills in Black Sheep come from Cakes da Killa’s technical skill.
—Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 21 Mar. 2024
This specificity meant that Flynn and Scott, as well as Dakota Fanning, who plays Marge, were called into rehearse scenes sometimes several months before the actual filming would take place.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
Writing with specificity answers reader questions and overcomes objections—in advance.
—Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
And with all storytelling, specificity is universal.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specificity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near specificity
Cite this Entry
“Specificity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specificity. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
specificity
noun
spec·i·fic·i·ty
ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē
: the quality or condition of being specific
especially
: the condition of taking part in or of acting as a catalyst in only one or a few chemical reactions
the specificity of an enzyme
Medical Definition
specificity
noun
spec·i·fic·i·ty
ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē
plural specificities
: the quality or condition of being specific: as
a
: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms
host specificity of a parasite
b
: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions
the specificity of an enzyme
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