nonspecific

adjective

non·​spe·​cif·​ic ˌnän-spi-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce nonspecific (audio)
: not specific: such as
a
: lacking in detail or particulars
nonspecific answers
a nonspecific description
b
: not caused by a specific or identified agent
nonspecific enteritis
c
: not restricted to a particular category, situation, or group
nonspecific flu-like symptoms
d
: not affecting a particular region or part
nonspecific pain
e
: having a general purpose, effect, or action : lacking in specificity
nonspecific antiviral agents
nonspecific irritants
nonspecifically adverb
After a toxic protein is released into the bloodstream, it is taken up by macrophages, cells that nonspecifically scavenge and ingest various substances. Harald von Boehmer and Pawel Kisielow

Examples of nonspecific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Symptoms of chromium exposure from eating contaminated food may be nonspecific and are similar in both children and adults, according to the FDA. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 5 Jan. 2024 What Are the Signs of Cushing’s? Cushing's syndrome can be hard to diagnose because many of the symptoms are nonspecific, Fleseriu said. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024 This can start with nonspecific symptoms like headache, light sensitivity, and insomnia and develop into neck stiffness and pain, tingling or burning of the skin, double vision, bowel or bladder difficulties, and seizures. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 25 Dec. 2023 This finding is nonspecific and can be seen in the setting of many diagnoses; including cellulitis, contusion from trauma and vascular disease from heart failure. Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Like so much of the play, the energy of the place is haunting and familiar, even while purposefully nonspecific. Vulture, 2 Feb. 2024 The former, also called the nonspecific immune system, defends against harmful pathogens by using immune cells. Theara Coleman, theweek, 20 Jan. 2024 Innate immunity is a type of nonspecific protection against pathogens. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2024 But the effects of eating chromium VI are not well studied or understood beyond the immediate, nonspecific effects of an acute exposure—which might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and kidney and liver dysfunction. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonspecific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonspecific was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near nonspecific

Cite this Entry

“Nonspecific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonspecific. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

nonspecific

adjective
non·​spe·​cif·​ic -spi-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce nonspecific (audio)
: not specific: as
a
: not caused by a specific or identified agent
nonspecific enteritis
b
: not restricted to a particular category, situation, or group
nonspecific flu-like symptoms
c
: not affecting a particular region or part
nonspecific pain
d
: having a general purpose, effect, or action
nonspecific antiviral agents
nonspecific irritants
nonspecifically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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