specification

[ spes-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

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.

specification

/ 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

Other Words From

• non·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun
• pre·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun
• re·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun
• su·per·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of specification¹

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

Russell is using an older specification because he damaged his new parts with his qualifying crash.

From BBC

If they move to accept whey from other makers, they can scale up – as long as the new whey sources can meet their specifications.

From Salon

The plaintiffs are now required to provide pricing and specifications for the units by Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Russell recovered to sixth place in the race after starting from the pit lane driving a car rebuilt to a previous specification.

From BBC

"The contractors, it seems, felt that they couldn't deliver the building to the specification for the money that was available. That's our interpretation of what happened," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• blueprint
• spec
• stipulation