Definition of species
species
1a : kind, sortb : a class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name; specifically : a logical division of a genus or more comprehensive class confessing sins in species and in numberc : the human race : human beings —often used with the survival of the species in the nuclear aged (1) : a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of a genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name (2) : an individual or kind belonging to a biological speciese : a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion
2 : the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist
3a : a mental image; also : a sensible objectb : an object of thought correlative with a natural object
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of species in a Sentence
There are approximately 8,000 species of ants.
All European domestic cattle belong to the same species.
laws that protect endangered species
Recent Examples of species from the Web
-
Changes in that gene in mice cause that species to be hypersocial as well.
-
Each species has its own distinctive receptors, and by swapping these around, Ostrov’s team could tune baker’s yeast to the scents of other fungi.
-
Furthermore, the idea that the recumbirostrans in question are especially caecilian-like assumes that a specific subset of taxa – perhaps even a single species – possesses the caecilian-like features in question.
-
The roots of this malady reside deep within our genetic lineage as a species.
-
As a species, we are gathered around more interstellar mailboxes than ever before, waiting eagerly for a letter to arrive.
-
The FWC is encouraging the removal of Burmese pythons, an invasive species that threatens native wildlife, through its Python Pickup Program with monthly and yearly prize drawings.
-
But researchers have developed a hybrid of GM and nonmodified cotton that keeps one species of caterpillar susceptible to the plant's deadly proteins.
-
Ruffed grouse drumming increased 17% statewide this spring in Wisconsin, indicating the species is on the upswing in its traditional 10-year population cycle, according to a Department of Natural Resources report.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'species.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of species
Middle English, from Latin, appearance, kind, species, from specere to look — more at spy
Other Anthropology Terms
species
Definition of species
: belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety a species rose
First Known Use of species
1899
Other Biology Terms
SPECIES Defined for English Language Learners
species
playDefinition of species for English Language Learners
-
biology : a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants : a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus
-
: a particular group of things or people that belong together or have some shared quality
SPECIES Defined for Kids
species
playDefinition of species for Students
species
1 : a group of similar living things that ranks below the genus in scientific classification and is made up of individuals able to produce offspring with one another The one-humped camel is a different species from the two-humped camel.
2 : a class of things of the same kind and with the same name : kind, sort
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of species
species
1a: a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of the genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus nameb: an individual or kind belonging to a biological species
2: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion production of DNA damage by active oxygen species
Learn More about species
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for species Spanish Central: Translation of species Nglish: Translation of species for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of species for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about species
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up species? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!