specific

Definitions

1. adjective

   Clear and exact.

   Examples

   • Please be specific about what you need.
   • Her instructions were very specific.
   ≈express
2. adjective

   In biology, relating to a species.

   Examples

   • Scientists studied the specific name of the plant.
   • The specific name tells you which species it is.
3. adjective

   Special or typical of one thing.

   Examples

   • Each region has its own specific customs.
   • The disease has a specific set of symptoms.
   ≈singular
4. adjective

   Meant for or only true for one particular thing.

   Examples

   • This medicine is specific to that illness.
   • The rule is specific to this type of contract.
5. adjective

   In medicine, clearly pointing to one disease only.

   Examples

   • The test was highly specific for the virus.
   • Doctors looked for a more specific diagnosis.
6. adjective

   In medicine, treating the real cause of an illness.

   Examples

   • Quinine is a specific medicine for malaria.
   • The drug has a specific effect on that disease.
7. adjective

   In biology, acting on only one kind of germ or substance.

   Examples

   • The antibody is specific to one particular germ.
   • A specific immune response targets the exact germ.
8. adjective

   In science, measured per unit of mass.

   Examples

   • Specific heat measures energy per unit of mass.
   • Engineers worked out the fuel's specific energy.
9. adjective

   In science, measured per unit of another quantity.

   Examples

   • Specific gravity compares a material's weight to water.
   • The specific yield of the crop was worked out per acre.
10. adjective

    In science, a measure compared to a standard value to give a plain ratio.

    Examples

    • Scientists reported the specific activity of the sample.
    • The lab measured the sample's specific conductivity.