specification

American  

[spes-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌspɛs ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of specifying.

2. Usually specifications.

   1. a detailed description or assessment of requirements, dimensions, materials, etc., as of a proposed building, machine, bridge, etc.

   2. Computers. a detailed description of the hardware installed, including the memory capacity, processor speed, and graphics card model.

3. a particular item, aspect, calculation, etc., in such a description.

4. something specified, as in a bill of particulars; a specified particular, item, or article.

   Synonyms:

   qualification, condition, requirement

5. an act of making specific.

6. the state of having a specific character.

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specification British  

/ ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of specifying

2. (in patent law) a written statement accompanying an application for a patent that describes the nature of an invention

3. a detailed description of the criteria for the constituents, construction, appearance, performance, etc, of a material, apparatus, etc, or of the standard of workmanship required in its manufacture

4. an item, detail, etc, specified

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Other Word Forms

• nonspecification noun
• prespecification noun
• respecification noun
• superspecification noun

Etymology

Origin of specification

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin specificātiōn- (stem of specificātiō ), equivalent to specificāt(us) (past participle of specificāre “to mention, describe”; specific, -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Actual charging times and energy density depend on vehicle specifications and real-world conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Monday’s fire was at one of its two diesel-treating units, which are designed to help the refinery convert the heavy oil into ultra-low-sulfur diesel while still meeting environmental specifications.

From Barron's

The 140-year-old Albemarle, for example, taps the knowledge of some of its older workers concluding their careers by helping the company make detailed specifications for aging plants.

From MarketWatch

Apple’s new $599 MacBook Neo budget laptop performs better than its specifications indicate, making it a strong option for many users.

From The Wall Street Journal

The missiles flew a distance of around 350 kilometres, they said adding that South Korean and US authorities are analysing their exact specifications.

From Barron's

Related Words

• blueprint
• spec
• stipulation