Specimen

Definition

Specimen is a noun that refers to an individual, item, or part considered typical of a group, class, or whole, or a portion or quantity of material for use in testing, examination, or study.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspɛsɪmən/
• Respelling: SPES-uh-muhn (with "SPES" as in "yes," "uh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "muhn" as in "mutton" without the "t" sounds)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspɛsɪmən/
• Respelling: SPES-uh-muhn (similar to American English, with "SPES" as in "yes," "uh" like the 'a' in "sofa," and "muhn" as in "mutton" without the "t" sounds)

In both dialects, "specimen" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SPES." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly indicating the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The word "specimen" comes from the Latin word "specimen" which means 'mark, token, sign, example', from the verb "specere" which means 'to look at'.

Derivatives

• Specimens
• Specimenly

Synonyms

• Example
• Sample
• Exhibit

Antonyms

None

Usage

The term "specimen" is widely used in science, medicine, and academia to refer to a part or an instance that represents a whole for study or analysis.

• Example: "The scientist collected specimens of different soil types to analyze their composition."

Related Terms

• Exemplar
• Prototype
• Model
• Archetype

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Typical Example: An individual, item, or part taken as representative of a class or whole.
• Example: "This painting is a fine specimen of the artist's early work."

• Sample for Scientific Analysis: A portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole, often used for purposes of analysis, testing, or examination.
• Example: "The lab technician took a blood specimen for testing."

• Individual Case: An instance or item that represents a class; a particular or peculiar individual.
• Example: "He's a specimen of the very sort of person we need for this role."