species

1 of 2

noun

spe·​cies ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz How to pronounce species (audio)
-(ˌ)sēz
plural species
1
a
: kind, sort
b
: 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 number
c
: the human race : human beings
often used with the
survival of the species in the nuclear age
d(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 species
e
: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion
2
: the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist
3
a
: a mental image
also : a sensible object
b
: an object of thought correlative with a natural object

species

2 of 2

adjective

: belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety
a species rose

Examples of species in a Sentence

Noun There are approximately 8,000 species of ants. All European domestic cattle belong to the same species. laws that protect endangered species
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Their data helps inform conservation management decisions, since the species is an essential part of the food web. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2024 Money earmarked for species conservation increases the number and distribution of herds, which results in more tags being made available for public distribution through agency draws. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2024 The microscopic species Karenia brevis is responsible for most red tides, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 But no species is more popular among hunters than the Rocky Mountain Elk. Jace Bauserman, Field & Stream, 29 Feb. 2024 As if this quest isn’t hard enough, biologists cannot agree on what a species is. Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 This slow reproductive cycle, says ODFW, means the presence of mature sturgeon is crucial to the species’ conservation success. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 28 Feb. 2024 The northern green anaconda, the species Fry's team documented and identified, appears to reach larger sizes and have a different, smaller geographic range in the Amazon than the southern green anaconda. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 Latex Once sourced from a species of rubber tree, most latex-containing items, including pillows, use synthetic styrene-butadiene. Brianna Kamienski, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024
Adjective
To come up with their estimates, the researchers linked their findings about newly suitable habitats for different species with biological patterns of cross-species transmission. Andrew Joseph, STAT, 29 Apr. 2022 There is plenty of good being done with cross-species gene transfer, too. Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2013 Even multi-species sensitivity and kinship. Patrick Frater, Variety, 20 Aug. 2022 In a rare, cross-species exchange, crows are known to give gifts to humans. Rena Kingery, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2021 Ibarra and Littlejohn are multi-species experts who specialize in going after whatever happens to be biting best at the time. Matt Williams, Dallas News, 9 Apr. 2022 Blood samples are also taken from the hunters themselves so as to monitor any evidence of cross-species viral infection with their prey. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2011 In this thought-provoking essay, Astra Taylor and Sunaura Taylor call for cross-species solidarity and make a socialist-feminist case for veganism. Longreads, 13 Dec. 2022 In addition to providing empirical evidence that bolsters Darwin’s hypothesis of a universal tetrapod signaling system, Filippi hopes the study results will enhance our understanding of cross-species communication and even improve animal welfare. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2017

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin, appearance, kind, species, from specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of species was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near species

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

species

noun
spe·​cies
ˈspē-shēz,
-sēz
plural species
1
: a class of things of the same kind and with the same name : kind
2
: a category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name

Medical Definition

species

noun
plural species
1
a
: 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 name
b
: 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

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