specific

The definition of specific is someone or something unique, distinctive or definite.

(adjective)

An example of specific is someone saying exactly which jacket they want someone to grab for them.

Specific is someone or something that is specially suited for a purpose or need.

(noun)

An example of specific is using pruning shears to prune a tree.

See specific in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

limiting or limited; specifying or specified; precise; definite; explicit: no specific plans
of or constituting a species
peculiar to or characteristic of something: specific traits
of a special, or particular, sort or kind
Med.
1. specially indicated as a cure for a particular disease: a specific remedy
2. produced by a particular microorganism: a specific disease
Physics designating a certain constant characteristic of a substance or phenomenon measured against some arbitrary, fixed standard of reference or expressed as an amount per unit area, unit volume, etc.

Origin: LL specificus < L species (see species) + -ficus, -fic

noun

Related Forms:

limited or specific to, characteristic of (a specified thing or person): species-specific

See specific in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Explicitly set forth; definite. See Synonyms at explicit.
Relating to, characterizing, or distinguishing a species.
Special, distinctive, or unique: specific qualities and attributes.
a. Intended for, applying to, or acting on a particular thing: a specific remedy for warts.
b. Concerned particularly with the subject specified. Often used in combination: “age-specific voting patterns” (A. Dianne Schmidley).
a. Designating a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition.
b. Having a remedial influence or effect on a particular disease.
Immunology Having an affinity limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
a. Designating a customs charge levied on merchandise by unit or weight rather than according to value.
b. Designating a commodity rate applicable to the transportation of a single commodity between named points.

noun

a. Something particularly fitted to a use or purpose.
b. A remedy intended for a particular ailment or disorder.
a. A distinguishing quality or attribute.
b. specifics Distinct items or details; particulars.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin specificus

Origin: : Latin speciēs, kind, species; see species

Origin: + Latin -ficus, -fic

Related Forms: