Definition Definition

specific - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'specific' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Specific [ a.]
- Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or constituting a species; possessing the peculiar property or properties of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things; as, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific qualities of a drug; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.
- Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.
- Exerting a peculiar influence over any part of the body; preventing or curing disease by a peculiar adaption, and not on general principles; as, quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
- Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which it is applied.
2 . Specific [ n.]
- A specific remedy. See Specific, a., 3.

Meaning of 'specific' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . specific [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
Example in sentence:
  • he always reasons from the particular to the general
Meaning (2):
- a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease
Example in sentence:
  • quinine is a specific for malaria
3 . specific [ a]
Meaning (3):
- (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
Example in sentence:
  • a specific and detailed account of the accident;
  • demands specific to the job;
  • rules with specific application
Meaning (4):
- being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides
Example in sentence:
  • a specific remedy;
  • a specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements;
  • quinine is highly specific for malaria
Meaning (5):
- relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species
Example in sentence:
  • specific characters
6 . specific [ s]
Meaning (6):
- stated explicitly or in detail
Example in sentence:
  • needed a specific amount