species

The definition of a species is a group of animals, plants or other living things that all share common characteristics and that are all classified as alike in some manner.

(noun)

An example of a species is all human beings.

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See species in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. species

  1. a distinct kind; sort; variety; class: a species of bravery
  2. Obsolete outward form, appearance, or mental image
  3. Obsolete specie
  4. Biol. a naturally existing population of similar organisms that usually interbreed only among themselves, and are given a unique, latinized binomial name to distinguish them from all other creatures
  5. Logic a class of individuals or objects having certain distinguishing attributes in common, given a common name, and comprised with other similar classes in a more comprehensive grouping called a genus
  6. Physics
    1. a specific kind of atomic nucleus
    2. nuclide
  7. R.C.Ch.
    1. the totality of natural physical characteristics (appearance, taste, etc.) of bread or wine, these characteristics remaining the same in the consecrated bread or wine of the Eucharist
    2. the consecrated bread or wine of the Eucharist

Origin: L, a seeing, appearance, shape, kind, or quality < base of specere, to see: see spy

See species in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. species species
  1. Biology
    a. A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus and consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding. See Table at taxonomy.
    b. An organism belonging to such a category, represented in binomial nomenclature by an uncapitalized Latin adjective or noun following a capitalized genus name, as in Ananas comosus, the pineapple, and Equus caballus, the horse.
  2. Logic A class of individuals or objects grouped by virtue of their common attributes and assigned a common name; a division subordinate to a genus.
  3. a. A kind, variety, or type: “No species of performing artist is as self-critical as a dancer” (Susan Sontag).
    b. The human race; humankind.
  4. Roman Catholic Church
    a. The outward appearance or form of the Eucharistic elements that is retained after their consecration.
    b. Either of the consecrated elements of the Eucharist.
  5. Obsolete
    a. An outward form or appearance.
    b. Specie.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, logical classification

Origin: , from Latin speciēs, a seeing, kind, form; see spek- in Indo-European roots

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