specimen

[ spes-uh-muhn ]

noun

1. a part or an individual taken as exemplifying a whole mass or number; a typical animal, plant, mineral, part, etc.

   Synonyms: pattern, model, type

2. (in medicine, microbiology, etc.) a sample of a substance or material for examination or study:

   a urine specimen; a tissue specimen.

3. a particular or peculiar kind of person.

specimen

/ ˈspɛsɪmɪn /

noun

1. 1. an individual, object, or part regarded as typical of the group or class to which it belongs
   2. ( as modifier )

      a specimen signature

      a specimen page

2. med a sample of tissue, blood, urine, etc, taken for diagnostic examination or evaluation
3. the whole or a part of an organism, plant, rock, etc, collected and preserved as an example of its class, species, etc
4. informal.
   a person

Word History and Origins

Origin of specimen¹

1600–10; < Latin: mark, example, indication, sign, equivalent to speci-, stem of specere to look, regard + -men noun suffix denoting result or means

Word History and Origins

Origin of specimen¹

C17: from Latin: mark, evidence, proof, from specere to look at

Synonym Study

See example.

Example Sentences

“We want that jaw-dropping moment that compels you to want to learn more about the specimen,” says Chris Weisbart, associate vice president for exhibits.

From Los Angeles Times

This specimen was found in deeper waters than some coral reefs, which may have protected it from higher temperatures at the sea surface.

From BBC

The age of the specimen also means it acts like a window into the history into oceanic conditions in the past.

From BBC

He's a big, strong physical specimen who scored an excellent goal but I like the whole way he conducts himself.

From BBC

However, the Home Office confirmed to the BBC that it was a specimen document and can't actually be used.

From BBC

Related Words

• copy
• exhibit
• variety