The Wordsmith Dictionary

spe ci a tion |ˌspēSHēˈāSHən, ˌspēsē -ˌspiʃiˈeɪʃən | ▶noun Biology the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution. DERIVATIVES spe ci ate |ˈspēSHēˌāt, spēsē - |verb

specie

spe cie |ˈspēSHē, -sē ˈspiʃi | ▶noun money in the form of coins rather than notes. PHRASES in specie 1 in coin. 2 Law in the real, precise, or actual form specified: the plaintiff could not be sure of recovering his goods in specie. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin, ablative of species ‘form, kind, ’ in the phrase in specie ‘in the actual form. ’

species

spe cies |ˈspēsēz, -SHēz ˈspiʃiz | ▶noun ( pl. same ) 1 (abbr.: sp., spp. ) Biology a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and denoted by a Latin binomial, e.g., Homo sapiens. • Logic a group subordinate to a genus and containing individuals agreeing in some common attributes and called by a common name. • a kind or sort: a species of invective at once tough and suave. • used humorously to refer to people who share a characteristic or occupation: a political species that is becoming more common, the environmental statesman. • Chemistry & Physics a particular kind of atom, molecule, ion, or particle: a new molecular species. 2 Christian Church the visible form of each of the elements of consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin, literally ‘appearance, form, beauty, ’ from specere ‘to look. ’

species barrier

spe cies bar ri er ▶noun the natural mechanisms that prevent a virus or disease from spreading from one species to another.

speciesism

spe cies ism |ˈspēSHēˌzizəm, spēsē -ˈspiʃiˌzɪzəm | ▶noun the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. DERIVATIVES spe cies ist adjective & noun

species rose

spe cies rose ▶noun a rose belonging to a distinct species and not to one of the many varieties produced by hybridization.

specif.

specif. ▶abbreviation specific; specifically.

specific

spe cif ic |spəˈsifik spəˈsɪfɪk | ▶adjective 1 clearly defined or identified: increasing the electricity supply only until it met specific development needs. • precise and clear in making statements or issuing instructions: when ordering goods be specific. • belonging or relating uniquely to a particular subject: information needs are often very specific to companies and individuals. 2 Biology of, relating to, or connected with species or a species. 3 (of a duty or a tax ) levied at a fixed rate per physical unit of the thing taxed, regardless of its price. 4 Physics of or denoting a number equal to the ratio of the value of some property of a given substance to the value of the same property of some other substance used as a reference, such as water, or of a vacuum, under equivalent conditions. • of or denoting a physical quantity expressed in terms of a unit mass, volume, or other measure, in order to give a value independent of the properties or scale of the particular system studied. ▶noun 1 dated a medicine or remedy effective in treating a particular disease or part of the body. 2 (usu. specifics ) a precise detail: he worked through the specifics of the contract. DERIVATIVES spe cif i cal ly adverb, spec i fic i ty |ˌspesəˈfisitē |noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (originally in the sense ‘having a special determining quality ’): from late Latin specificus, from Latin species (see species ).

specific activity

spe cif ic ac tiv i ty ▶noun Physics the activity of a given radioisotope per unit mass.

specification

spec i fi ca tion |ˌspesəfiˈkāSHən ˌspɛsəfəˈkeɪʃən | ▶noun an act of describing or identifying something precisely or of stating a precise requirement: give a full specification of the job advertised | there was no clear specification of objectives. • (usu. specifications ) a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something. • a standard of workmanship, materials, etc. , required to be met in a piece of work: everything was built to a higher specification. • a description of an invention accompanying an application for a patent. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from medieval Latin specificatio (n- ), from late Latin specificare (see specify ).

specific charge

spe cif ic charge ▶noun Physics the ratio of the charge of an ion or subatomic particle to its mass.

specific disease

spe cif ic dis ease ▶noun a disease caused by a particular and characteristic organism.

specific epithet

spe cif ic ep i thet |spəˈsifik ˈepəˌTHet spəˌsɪfɪk ˈɛpəθɛt | ▶noun chiefly Botany & Microbiology the second element in the Latin binomial name of a species, which follows the generic name and distinguishes the species from others in the same genus. Compare with specific name, trivial name.

specific gravity

spe cif ic grav i ty |spəˈsɪfɪk ˈɡrævədi | ▶noun Chemistry the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a standard, usually water for a liquid or solid, and air for a gas.

specific heat

spe cif ic heat ▶noun Physics the heat required to raise the temperature of the unit mass of a given substance by a given amount (usually one degree ).

specific name

spe cif ic name ▶noun chiefly Botany & Microbiology the Latin binomial name of a species, consisting of the generic name followed by the specific epithet. • chiefly Zoology another term for specific epithet.

specific performance

spe cif ic per for mance ▶noun Law the performance of a contractual duty, as ordered in cases where damages would not be adequate remedy.

specify

spec i fy |ˈspesəˌfī ˈspɛsəˌfaɪ | ▶verb ( specifies, specifying, specified ) [ with obj. ] identify clearly and definitely: the coup leader promised an election but did not specify a date. • [ with clause ] state a fact or requirement clearly and precisely: the agency failed to specify that the workers were not their employees. • include in an architect's or engineer's specifications: naval architects specified circular portholes. DERIVATIVES spec i fi a ble |ˌspesəˈfīəbəl |adjective, spec i fi er noun ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French specifier or late Latin specificare (see specific ).

specimen

spec i men |ˈspesəmən ˈspɛsəmən | ▶noun an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc. , used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display. • an example of something such as a product or piece of work, regarded as typical of its class or group. • a sample for medical testing, esp. of urine. • informal used to refer humorously to a person or animal: in her he found himself confronted by a sorrier specimen than himself. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (in the sense ‘pattern, model ’): from Latin, from specere ‘to look. ’

specimen plant

spec i men plant |ˈspɛsəmən plænt | ▶noun an unusual or impressive plant grown as a focus of interest in a garden.

specious

spe cious |ˈspēSHəs ˈspiʃəs | ▶adjective superficially plausible, but actually wrong: a specious argument. • misleading in appearance, esp. misleadingly attractive: the music trade gives Golden Oldies a specious appearance of novelty. DERIVATIVES spe cious ly adverb, spe cious ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘beautiful ’): from Latin speciosus ‘fair, ’ from species (see species ).

speck

speck |spek spɛk | ▶noun a tiny spot: the figure in the distance had become a mere speck. • a small particle of a substance: specks of dust. ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. be specked ) mark with small spots: their skin was specked with goose pimples. DERIVATIVES speck less adjective ORIGIN Old English specca; compare with the noun speckle .

speck

speck 2 |spɛk | ▶noun [ mass noun ] a smoked ham of a type produced in NE Italy. ORIGIN via Italian from Dutch spek, German Speck ‘fat bacon, whale blubber ’ (in which sense it was formerly used in English ): related to Old English spec .

speckle

speck le |ˈspekəl ˈspɛkəl | ▶noun (usu. speckles ) a small spot or patch of color. ▶verb [ with obj. ] mark with a large number of small spots or patches of color: stars speckled the sky. ORIGIN late Middle English (as a noun ): from Middle Dutch spekkel; the verb (late 16th cent. ) from the noun or a back-formation from speckled .

speckled

speck led |ˈspekəld ˈspekld | ▶adjective covered or marked with a large number of small spots or patches of color: a large speckled brown egg | its body is gray speckled with dark spots.

speckled trout

speck led trout ▶noun the brook trout. See char 4.

speckled wood

speck led wood ▶noun a brown Eurasian butterfly with cream or orange markings, favoring light woodland habitats. [Pararge aegeria, subfamily Satyrinae, family Nymphalidae. ]

specky

specky |ˈspɛki |(also speccy ) ▶adjective informal (of a person ) wearing spectacles.

specs

specs |speks spɛks | ▶plural noun informal 1 a pair of spectacles. 2 plural form of spec 2. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: abbreviation.

spect

spect |spekt spɛkt | ▶verb nonstandard form of expect: I spect they've been to a party.

spectacle

spec ta cle |ˈspektəkəl ˈspɛktəkəl | ▶noun a visually striking performance or display: the acrobatic feats make a good spectacle | the show is pure spectacle. • an event or scene regarded in terms of its visual impact: the spectacle of a city's mass grief. PHRASES make a spectacle of oneself draw attention to oneself by behaving in a ridiculous way in public. ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from Latin spectaculum ‘public show, ’ from spectare, frequentative of specere ‘to look. ’

spectacled

spec ta cled |ˈspektəkəld ˈspɛktəkəld | ▶adjective wearing spectacles. • used in names of animals with markings that resemble spectacles.

spectacled bear

spec ta cled bear ▶noun a South American bear with a black or dark brown coat and white markings around the eyes. [Tremarctos ornatus, family Ursidae. ]

spectacled caiman

spec ta cled cai man |ˈkāmən ˌspɛktəkəld ˈkeɪmən | ▶noun a small South American caiman with a bony ridge between the eyes that gives the appearance of spectacles. [Caiman sclerops, family Alligatoridae. ]

spectacled cobra

spec ta cled co bra ▶noun an Asian cobra with a marking on the hood that resembles spectacles. Also called Indian cobra, Asian cobra. [Naja naja, family Elapidae. ]

spectacles

spec ta cles |ˈspektəkəlz ˈspɛktəkəlz | ▶plural noun another term for glasses.

spectacular

spec tac u lar |spekˈtakyələr spɛkˈtækjələr | ▶adjective beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way: spectacular mountain scenery. • strikingly large or obvious: the party suffered a spectacular loss in the election. ▶noun an event such as a pageant or musical, produced on a large scale and with striking effects. DERIVATIVES spec tac u lar ly adverb ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from spectacle, on the pattern of words such as oracular .

spectate

spec tate |spekˈtāt spɛkˈteɪt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] be a spectator, esp. at a sporting event: an entire defense starts to spectate like fans in the stands. ORIGIN early 18th cent.: back-formation from spectator .

spectator

spec ta tor |ˈspekˌtātər ˈspɛkˌteɪdər | ▶noun a person who watches at a show, game, or other event. DERIVATIVES spec ta to ri al |ˌspektəˈtôrēəl |adjective ( rare )ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French spectateur or Latin spectator, from spectare ‘gaze at, observe ’ (see spectacle ).

spectator sport

spec ta tor sport |ˈspɛkˌteɪdər spɔrt | ▶noun a sport that many people find entertaining to watch.

specter

spec ter |ˈspektər ˈspɛktər |(Brit. spectre ) ▶noun a ghost. • something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence: the specter of nuclear holocaust. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French spectre or Latin spectrum (see spectrum ).

spectinomycin

spec ti no my cin |ˌspektənəˈmīsin ˌspɛktɪnəˈmaɪsɪn | ▶noun Medicine a bacterial antibiotic used as an alternative to penicillin. [The drug is obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces spectabilis. ] ORIGIN 1960s: from the specific epithet spectabilis (see above ), literally ‘visible, remarkable ’ + -mycin .

Spector, Phil

Spec tor, Phil |ˈspektər ˈspɛktər | (1940 –), US record producer and songwriter; full name Harvey Phillip Spector. He pioneered a “wall of sound ” style, using echo and tape loops, and had a succession of hit recordings in the 1960s with groups such as the Ronettes and the Crystals. In 2009, he was convicted of murdering actress Lana Clarkson (1962 –2003 ).

spectra

spec tra |ˈspektrə ˈspɛktrə | plural form of spectrum.

spectral

spec tral |ˈspektrəl ˈspɛktrəl | ▶adjective 1 of or like a ghost. [early 18th cent.: from specter + -al . ] 2 of or concerning spectra or the spectrum. [mid 19th cent.: from spectrum + -al . ] DERIVATIVES spec tral ly adverb

spectral index

spec tral in dex ▶noun an exponential factor relating the flux density of a radio source to its frequency.

spectral tarsier

spec tral tar si er |ˈtärsēər ˌspɛktrəl ˈtɑrsiər | ▶noun a tarsier that has a tail with a long bushy tuft and a scaly base, native to Sulawesi. [Tarsius spectrum, family Tarsiidae. ]

spectral type

spec tral type (also spectral class ) ▶noun Astronomy the group in which a star is classified according to its spectrum, esp. using the Harvard classification.

spectre

spec tre |ˈspektər | ▶noun British spelling of specter.

spectro-

spectro- ▶comb. form representing spectrum.

spectrochemistry

spec ¦tro |chem ¦is ¦try |ˌspɛktrə (ʊ )ˈkɛmɪstri | ▶noun [ mass noun ] chemistry based on the study of the spectra of substances.

spectrogram

spec tro gram |ˈspektrəˌgram ˈspɛktrəɡræm | ▶noun a photographic or other visual or electronic representation of a spectrum.

spectrograph

spectroheliograph

spec tro he li o graph |ˌspektrōˈhēlēəˌgraf ˌspɛktroʊˈhiliəɡræf | ▶noun an instrument for taking photographs of the sun in light of one wavelength only.

spectrohelioscope

spec tro he li o scope |ˌspektrōˈhēlēəˌskōp ˌspɛktroʊˈhiliəskoʊp | ▶noun a device similar to a spectroheliograph that produces a directly observable monochromatic image of the sun.

spectrolite

spectrolite |ˈspɛktrə (ʊ )lʌɪt | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the mineral labradorite, especially when used as a gemstone.

spectrometer

spectrophotometer

spectroscope

spec tro scope |ˈspektrəˌskōp ˈspɛktrəˌskoʊp | ▶noun an apparatus for producing and recording spectra for examination.

spectroscopy

spectrum

spec trum |ˈspektrəm ˈspɛktrəm | ▶noun ( pl. spectra |-trə | ) 1 a band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength. • (the spectrum ) the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. • an image or distribution of components of any electromagnetic radiation arranged in a progressive series according to wavelength. • a similar image or distribution of components of sound, particles, etc. , arranged according to such characteristics as frequency, charge, and energy. 2 used to classify something, or suggest that it can be classified, in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme or opposite points: the left or the right of the political spectrum. • a wide range: self-help books are covering a broader and broader spectrum. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (in the sense ‘specter ’): from Latin, literally ‘image, apparition, ’ from specere ‘to look. ’

spectrum analyzer

spec trum an a lyz er ▶noun a device for analyzing a system of oscillations, esp. sound, into its separate components.

specula

spec u la |ˈspəkyələ ˈspəkjələ | plural form of speculum.

specular

spec u lar |ˈspekyələr ˈspɛkjələr | ▶adjective of, relating to, or having the properties of a mirror. ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in specular stone, a substance formerly used as glass ): from Latin specularis, from speculum (see speculum ).

specular iron ore

spec u lar i ron ore ▶noun hematite with a metallic luster.

speculate

spec u late |ˈspekyəˌlāt ˈspɛk (j )əˌleɪt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] 1 form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence: my colleagues speculate about my private life | [ with clause ] : observers speculated that the authorities wished to improve their image. 2 invest in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss: he didn't look as though he had the money to speculate in stocks. DERIVATIVES spec u la tor |-ˌlātər |noun ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin speculat- ‘observed from a vantage point, ’ from the verb speculari, from specula ‘watchtower, ’ from specere ‘to look. ’

speculation

spec u la tion |ˌspekyəˈlāSHən spekjuˈleɪʃn | ▶noun 1 the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence: there has been widespread speculation that he plans to quit | this is pure speculation on my part | these are only speculations. 2 investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss: the company's move into property speculation. he was a millionaire from speculations on the stock market.

speculative

spec u la tive |ˈspekyəˌlātiv, -lətiv ˈspɛkjəˌleɪdɪv ˈspɛkjələdɪv | ▶adjective 1 engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge: discussion of the question is largely speculative. 2 (of an investment ) involving a high risk of loss. • (of a business venture ) undertaken on the chance of success, without a preexisting contract. DERIVATIVES spec u la tive ly adverb, spec u la tive ness noun

speculative builder

spec u la tive build er ▶noun a person who has houses constructed without securing buyers in advance.

speculum

spec u lum |ˈspekyələm ˈspəkjələm | ▶noun ( pl. specula |-lə | ) 1 Medicine a metal or plastic instrument that is used to dilate an orifice or canal in the body to allow inspection. 2 Ornithology a bright patch of plumage on the wings of certain birds, esp. a strip of metallic sheen on the secondary flight feathers of many ducks. 3 a mirror or reflector of glass or metal, esp. (formerly ) a metallic mirror in a reflecting telescope. • short for speculum metal. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin, literally ‘mirror, ’ from specere ‘to look. ’

speculum metal

spec u lum met al ▶noun an alloy of copper and tin used to make mirrors, esp. formerly for telescopes.

Oxford Dictionary

spec

spec 1 |spɛk | ▶noun (in phrase on spec ) informal in the hope of success but without any specific plan or instructions: he built the factory on spec and hoped someone would buy it. ORIGIN late 18th cent.: abbreviation of speculation .

spec

spec 2 |spɛk | ▶noun (US also specs ) short for specification ( sense 2 ): a camera with a very basic spec. ▶verb ( specs, speccing, specced ) [ with obj. ] give (something ) a particular specification; construct to a specified standard: the range allows buyers to spec their truck to their needs.

speccy

speccy ▶adjective variant spelling of specky.

special

spe ¦cial |ˈspɛʃ (ə )l | ▶adjective 1 better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual: they always made a special effort at Christmas. • exceptionally good or pleasant: she's a very special person. • (of a subject ) studied in particular depth. 2 belonging specifically to a particular person or place: we want to preserve our town's special character. • designed or organized for a particular person, purpose, or occasion: we will return by special coaches. • used to denote education for children with particular needs, especially those with learning difficulties. 3 Mathematics denoting a group consisting of matrices of unit determinant. ▶noun a thing, such as a product or broadcast, that is designed or organized for a particular occasion or purpose: television's election night specials. • a dish not on the regular menu at a restaurant but served on a particular day. • a person assigned to a special duty; a special constable or special correspondent. • informal a product or service offered at a temporarily reduced price. DERIVATIVES specialness noun ORIGIN Middle English: shortening of Old French especial ‘especial ’ or Latin specialis, from species ‘appearance ’ (see species ).

Special Air Service

Special Boat Service

Special Boat Service (abbrev.: SBS ) (in the UK ) a nautical counterpart of the SAS, provided by the Royal Marines.

Special Branch

Special Branch (in the UK ) the police department dealing with political security.

special case

spe ¦cial case ▶noun 1 a situation or person that has unusual qualities or needs. 2 Law a written statement of fact presented by litigants to a court.

special constable

spe ¦cial con |stable ▶noun (in the UK ) a person who is trained to act as a police officer on particular occasions, especially in times of emergency.

special correspondent

spe ¦cial cor ¦res |pond |ent ▶noun a journalist writing for a newspaper on special events or a special area of interest.

special delivery

spe ¦cial de |liv |ery ▶noun [ mass noun ] (in the UK ) guaranteed delivery of a letter within the UK the day after posting. • (in the US ) delivery of mail outside normal hours on payment of an additional fee. • [ count noun ] a letter or parcel sent by a special-delivery service.

special development area

special development area (also special area ) ▶noun (in the UK ) a district for which special economic provision is made in legislation.

special drawing rights

special drawing rights (abbrev.: SDR ) ▶plural noun a form of international money, created by the International Monetary Fund, and defined as a weighted average of various convertible currencies.

special edition

spe ¦cial edi |tion ▶noun an edition of a newspaper, magazine, television programme, etc. which differs from the usual format, especially in concentrating on one particularly important story.

special effect

spe ¦cial ef ¦fect ▶noun an illusion created for films and television by props, camerawork, computer graphics, etc.: a non-stop action film filled with amazing stunts and spectacular special effects.

special forces

spe ¦cial forces ▶plural noun the units of a country's armed forces that undertake covert, counterterrorist, and other specialized operations.

special intention

spe ¦cial in ¦ten |tion ▶noun (in the Roman Catholic Church ) a special aim or purpose for which a mass is celebrated or prayers are said.

special interest group

special interest group ▶noun a group of people or an organization seeking or receiving special advantages, typically through political lobbying.

specialist

spe ¦cial |ist |ˈspɛʃ (ə )lɪst | ▶noun a person who concentrates primarily on a particular subject or activity; a person highly skilled in a specific and restricted field. • a person highly trained in a particular branch of medicine. ▶adjective possessing or involving detailed knowledge or study of a restricted topic: you may require specialist financial advice. • [ attrib. ] concentrating on a restricted field, market, or area of activity: a specialist electrical shop. DERIVATIVES specialism |-lɪz (ə )m |noun

speciality

speciality |ˌspɛʃɪˈalɪti |(chiefly N. Amer. & Medicine also specialty ) ▶noun ( pl. specialities ) 1 a pursuit, area of study, or skill to which someone has devoted much time and effort and in which they are expert: his speciality was watercolours. • a product, especially a type of food, which a person or region is famous for making well: a restaurant serving freshly made local specialities. • [ as modifier ] meeting particular tastes or needs: speciality potatoes for salads. 2 (often specialty ) a branch of medicine or surgery. ORIGIN late Middle English (denoting the quality of being special or distinctive ): from Old French especialite or late Latin specialitas, from Latin specialis (see special ).

specialize

specialize |ˈspɛʃ (ə )lʌɪz |(also specialise ) ▶verb [ no obj. ] concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill: he could specialize in tropical medicine. • confine oneself to providing a particular product or service: the firm specialized in commercial brochures. • make a habit of engaging in a particular activity: a group of writers have specialized in attacking the society they live in. • [ with obj. ] Biology adapt or set apart (an organ or part ) to serve a special function or to suit a particular way of life: zooids specialized for different functions. DERIVATIVES specialization |-ˈzeɪʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French spécialiser, from spécial ‘special ’.

specialized

specialized |ˈspɛʃ (ə )lʌɪzd |(also specialised ) ▶adjective requiring or involving detailed and specific knowledge or training: employees with specialized skills. • concentrating on a small area of a subject: periodicals have become more and more specialized. • designed for a particular purpose: specialized software.

special jury

spe ¦cial jury ▶noun Brit. historical a jury with members of a particular social standing. Compare with common jury.

special licence

spe ¦cial li |cence ▶noun Brit. a licence allowing a marriage to take place at a time or place not normally permitted.

specially

spe |cial ¦ly |ˈspɛʃəli | ▶adverb for a special purpose: a new coat and hat, bought specially | [ as submodifier ] : a specially commissioned report. usage: On the differences between specially and especially, see usage at especially .

special needs

spe ¦cial needs ▶plural noun (in the context of children at school ) particular educational requirements resulting from learning difficulties, physical disability, or emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Special Olympics

Spe cial O lym pics ▶noun an international competition, modeled on the Olympic Games, in which mentally and physically handicapped athletes compete.

Special Operations Executive

Special Operations Executive (abbrev.: SOE ) a secret British military service during the Second World War, set up in 1940 to carry out clandestine operations and coordinate with resistance movements in Europe and later East Asia.

special pleading

spe ¦cial plead |ing ▶noun [ mass noun ] argument in which the speaker deliberately ignores aspects that are unfavourable to their point of view.

special school

spe ¦cial school ▶noun (in the UK ) a school catering for children with special needs.

special sort

spe ¦cial sort ▶noun Printing a character, such as an accented letter or a symbol, that is not normally included in any font.

special team

spe ¦cial team ▶noun American Football a squad that is used for kick-offs, punts, and other special plays.

specialty

specialty |ˈspɛʃ (ə )lti | ▶noun ( pl. specialties ) 1 chiefly N. Amer. & Medicine another term for speciality. 2 Law a contract under seal. ORIGIN Middle English (denoting special affection or attachment ): shortening of Old French especialte, from especial (see special ).

special verdict

spe ¦cial ver |dict ▶noun Law a verdict that requires an answer to one or more specific detailed questions, with the application of the law left up to the judge. • a verdict that an accused person is not guilty by reason of insanity.

speciation

speciation |ˌspiːʃɪˈeɪʃ (ə )n, ˌspiːs -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Biology the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution. DERIVATIVES speciate |ˈspiː - |verb

specie

specie |ˈspiːʃiː, ˈspiːʃi | ▶noun [ mass noun ] money in the form of coins rather than notes. PHRASES in specie Law in the real, precise, or actual form specified: the plaintiff could not be sure of recovering his goods in specie. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin, ablative of species ‘form, kind ’, in the phrase in specie ‘in the actual form ’.

species

species |ˈspiːʃiːz, -ʃɪz, ˈspiːs -| ▶noun ( pl. same ) 1 (abbrev.: sp., spp. ) Biology a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and denoted by a Latin binomial, e.g. Homo sapiens. • Logic a group subordinate to a genus and containing individuals agreeing in some common attributes and called by a common name. 2 a kind or sort: a species of invective at once tough and suave. • used humorously to refer to people who share a characteristic or occupation: a political species that is becoming more common, the environmental statesman. • Chemistry & Physics a particular kind of atom, molecule, ion, or particle: a new molecular species. 3 Christian Church the visible form of each of the elements of consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin, literally ‘appearance, form, beauty ’, from specere ‘to look ’.

species barrier

spe ¦cies bar |rier ▶noun the natural mechanisms that prevent a virus or disease from spreading from one species to another.

speciesism

speciesism |ˈspiːʃiːˌzɪz (ə )m, ˈspiːs -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. DERIVATIVES speciesist adjective & noun

species rose

spe ¦cies rose ▶noun a rose belonging to a distinct species and not to one of the many varieties produced by hybridization.

specif.

specif. ▶abbreviation specific; specifically.

specific

specific |spəˈsɪfɪk | ▶adjective 1 clearly defined or identified: savings were made by increasing the electricity supply only until it met specific development needs. • precise and clear in making statements or issuing instructions: when ordering goods be specific. • belonging or relating uniquely to a particular subject: information needs are often very specific to individuals. 2 Biology relating to species or a species. 3 (of a duty or a tax ) levied at a fixed rate per physical unit of the thing taxed, regardless of its price. 4 Physics of or denoting a number equal to the ratio of the value of some property of a given substance to the value of the same property of some other substance used as a reference, such as water, or of a vacuum, under equivalent conditions. • of or denoting a physical quantity expressed in terms of a unit mass, volume, or other measure, in order to give a value independent of the properties or scale of the particular system studied. ▶noun 1 chiefly dated a medicine or remedy effective in treating a particular disease or part of the body. 2 (usu. specifics ) a precise detail: I wish I'd put more thought into the specifics. DERIVATIVES specifically adverb they don't talk specifically about education | [ sentence adverb ] : these are war, or more specifically anti-war, novels, specificity |ˌspɛsɪˈfɪsɪti |noun, specificness noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent. (originally in the sense ‘having a special determining quality ’): from late Latin specificus, from Latin species (see species ).

specific activity

spe |cif ¦ic ac ¦tiv |ity ▶noun Physics the activity of a given radioisotope per unit mass.

specification

specification |ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun 1 an act of identifying something precisely or of stating a precise requirement: give a full specification of the job advertised | [ mass noun ] : there was no clear specification of objectives. 2 (usu. specifications ) a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something. • a standard of workmanship or materials required to be met in a piece of work: everything was built to a higher specification. • a description of an invention accompanying an application for a patent. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from medieval Latin specificatio (n- ), from late Latin specificare (see specify ).

specific charge

spe |cif ¦ic charge ▶noun Physics the ratio of the charge of an ion or subatomic particle to its mass.

specific disease

spe |cif ¦ic dis |ease ▶noun a disease caused by a particular and characteristic organism.

specific epithet

spe |cif ¦ic epi |thet ▶noun chiefly Botany & Microbiology the second element in the Latin binomial name of a species, which follows the generic name and distinguishes the species from others in the same genus. Compare with specific name, trivial name.

specific gravity

spe |cif ¦ic grav |ity ▶noun another term for relative density.

specific heat capacity

spe |cif ¦ic heat cap |acity ▶noun Physics the heat required to raise the temperature of the unit mass of a given substance by a given amount (usually one degree ).

specific name

spe |cif ¦ic name ▶noun chiefly Botany & Microbiology the Latin binomial name of a species, consisting of the generic name followed by the specific epithet. • chiefly Zoology another term for specific epithet.

specific performance

spe |cif ¦ic per ¦form |ance ▶noun [ mass noun ] Law the performance of a contractual duty, as ordered in cases where damages would not be adequate remedy.

specify

spe |cify |ˈspɛsɪfʌɪ | ▶verb ( specifies, specifying, specified ) [ with obj. ] identify clearly and definitely: the coup leader promised an election but did not specify a date. • [ with clause ] state a fact or requirement clearly and precisely: the agency failed to specify that the workers were not their employees. • include in an architect's or engineer's specifications: naval architects specified circular portholes. DERIVATIVES specifiable adjective, specifier noun ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French specifier or late Latin specificare (see specific ).

specimen

specimen |ˈspɛsɪmɪn | ▶noun 1 an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc. used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display. • an example of something regarded as typical of its class or group: [ as modifier ] : a specimen paper of the new test. • a sample for medical testing, especially of urine. 2 informal used to refer humorously to a person or animal: Carla could not help feeling a degree of reluctant admiration for this odd female specimen. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (in the sense ‘pattern, model ’): from Latin, from specere ‘to look ’.

specimen plant

specimen plant (also specimen tree ) ▶noun an unusual or impressive plant or tree grown as a focus of interest in a garden.

specious

specious |ˈspiːʃəs | ▶adjective superficially plausible, but actually wrong: a specious argument. • misleading in appearance, especially misleadingly attractive: the music trade gives Golden Oldies a specious appearance of novelty. DERIVATIVES speciously adverb, speciousness noun ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘beautiful ’): from Latin speciosus ‘fair ’, from species (see species ).

speck

speck 1 |spɛk | ▶noun a tiny spot: the figure in the distance had become a mere speck. • a small particle of a substance: specks of dust. • a rotten spot in fruit. ▶verb [ with obj. ] mark with small spots: their skin was specked with goose pimples. DERIVATIVES speckless adjective ORIGIN Old English specca; compare with the noun speckle .

speck

speckle

speckle |ˈspɛk (ə )l | ▶noun (usu. speckles ) a small spot or patch of colour. ▶verb [ with obj. ] mark with a large number of small spots or patches of colour: gulls whirled round the masts, speckling the docks with guano. ORIGIN late Middle English (as a noun ): from Middle Dutch spekkel; the verb (late 16th cent. ) from the noun or a back-formation from speckled .

speckled

speckled |ˈspɛkld | ▶adjective covered or marked with a large number of small spots or patches of colour: a large speckled brown egg | a fine waxy film speckled with yeast cells.

speckled trout

speckled trout ▶noun N. Amer. the brook charr. See charr.

speckled wood

speckled wood ▶noun a brown Eurasian butterfly with cream or orange markings, favouring light woodland habitats. ●Pararge aegeria, subfamily Satyrinae, family Nymphalidae.

specky

specky |ˈspɛki |(also speccy ) ▶adjective informal (of a person ) wearing spectacles.

specs

specs |spɛks | ▶plural noun 1 informal a pair of spectacles. 2 US term for spec 2. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: abbreviation.

spect

spect |spɛkt | ▶verb non-standard form of expect representing childish pronunciation: I spect they've been to a party.

spectacle

spec |tacle |ˈspɛktək (ə )l | ▶noun a visually striking performance or display: the acrobatic feats make a good spectacle | [ mass noun ] : the show is pure spectacle. • an event or scene regarded in terms of its visual impact: the spectacle of a city's mass grief. PHRASES make a spectacle of oneself draw attention to oneself by behaving in a ridiculous way in public. ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from Latin spectaculum ‘public show ’, from spectare, frequentative of specere ‘to look ’.

spectacled

spec |tacled |ˈspɛktək (ə )ld | ▶adjective wearing spectacles. • used in names of animals with markings on the face or elsewhere that resemble spectacles.

spectacled bear

spec |tacled bear ▶noun a South American bear with a black or dark brown coat and white markings around the eyes. ●Tremarctos ornatus, family Ursidae.

spectacled caiman

spec |tacled cai ¦man ▶noun a small South American caiman with a bony ridge between the eyes which gives the appearance of spectacles. ●Caiman sclerops, family Alligatoridae.

spectacled cobra

spec |tacled cobra ▶noun an Asian cobra with a marking on the hood that resembles spectacles. Also called Indian cobra. ●Naja naja, family Elapidae.

spectacles

spec |tacles |ˈspɛktək (ə )lz | ▶plural noun Brit. a pair of glasses.

spectacular

spec |tacu |lar |spɛkˈtakjʊlə | ▶adjective beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way: spectacular mountain scenery. • strikingly large or obvious: the party suffered a spectacular loss in the election. ▶noun an event such as a pageant or musical, produced on a large scale and with striking effects. DERIVATIVES spectacularly adverb ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from spectacle, on the pattern of words such as oracular .

spectate

spec |tate |spɛkˈteɪt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] be a spectator, especially at a sporting event: the two of us spectated at the first race. ORIGIN early 18th cent.: back-formation from spectator .

spectator

spec |ta ¦tor |spɛkˈteɪtə | ▶noun a person who watches at a show, game, or other event. DERIVATIVES spectatorial |-təˈtɔːrɪəl |adjective, spectatorship noun ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French spectateur or Latin spectator, from spectare ‘gaze at, observe ’ (see spectacle ).

spectator sport

spec |ta ¦tor sport ▶noun a sport that many people find entertaining to watch.

specter

spec |ter ▶noun US spelling of spectre.

spectinomycin

spectinomycin |ˌspɛktɪnə (ʊ )ˈmʌɪsɪn | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Medicine a bacterial antibiotic used as an alternative to penicillin. ●The drug is obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces spectabilis. ORIGIN 1960s: from the specific epithet spectabilis (see above ), literally ‘visible, remarkable ’ + -mycin .

Spector, Phil

Spector, Phil |ˈspɛktə | (b.1940 ), American record producer and songwriter; born Harvey Phillip Spector. He pioneered a ‘wall of sound ’ style, using echo and tape loops, and had a succession of hit recordings in the 1960s with groups such as the Ronettes and the Crystals. In 2009 he was convicted of murdering the actress Lana Clarkson.

spectra

spec |tra |ˈspɛktrə | plural form of spectrum.

spectral

spectral 1 |ˈspɛktr (ə )l | ▶adjective of or like a ghost: a spectral, menacing face. DERIVATIVES spectrally adverb ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from spectre + -al .

spectral

spectral 2 |ˈspɛktr (ə )l | ▶adjective of or concerning spectra or the spectrum. DERIVATIVES spectrally adverb ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: from spectrum + -al .

spectral index

spec |tral index ▶noun an exponential factor relating the flux density of a radio source to its frequency.

spectral tarsier

spec |tral tar |sier ▶noun a tarsier which has a tail with a long bushy tuft and a scaly base, native to Sulawesi. ●Tarsius spectrum, family Tarsiidae.

spectral type

spectral type (also spectral class ) ▶noun the group in which a star is classified according to its spectrum, especially using the Harvard classification.

spectre

spectre |ˈspɛktə |(US specter ) ▶noun a ghost. • something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence: the spectre of nuclear holocaust. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French spectre or Latin spectrum (see spectrum ).

spectro-

spectro- |ˈspɛktrəʊ | ▶combining form representing spectrum.

spectrochemistry

spec ¦tro |chem ¦is ¦try |ˌspɛktrə (ʊ )ˈkɛmɪstri | ▶noun [ mass noun ] chemistry based on the study of the spectra of substances.

spectrogram

spec ¦tro |gram |ˈspɛktrə (ʊ )gram | ▶noun a photographic or other visual or electronic representation of a spectrum.

spectrograph

spectroheliograph

spectroheliograph |ˌspɛktrə (ʊ )ˈhiːlɪəgrɑːf | ▶noun an instrument for taking photographs of the sun in light of one wavelength only.

spectrohelioscope

spectrohelioscope |ˌspɛktrə (ʊ )ˈhiːlɪəskəʊp | ▶noun a device similar to a spectroheliograph which produces a directly observable monochromatic image of the sun.

spectrolite

spectrolite |ˈspɛktrə (ʊ )lʌɪt | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the mineral labradorite, especially when used as a gemstone.

spectrometer

spectrometer |spɛkˈtrɒmɪtə | ▶noun an apparatus used for recording and measuring spectra, especially as a method of analysis. DERIVATIVES spectrometric |spɛktrəˈmɛtrɪk |adjective, spectrometry noun

spectrophotometer

spectrophotometer |ˌspɛktrə (ʊ )fəʊˈtɒmɪtə | ▶noun an apparatus for measuring the intensity of light in a part of the spectrum, especially as transmitted or emitted by particular substances. DERIVATIVES spectrophotometric |-təˈmɛtrɪk |adjective, spectrophotometrically adverb, spectrophotometry noun

spectroscope

spec ¦tro |scope |ˈspɛktrəskəʊp | ▶noun an apparatus for producing and recording spectra for examination.

spectroscopy

spectroscopy |spɛkˈtrɒskəpi | ▶noun [ mass noun ] the branch of science concerned with the investigation and measurement of spectra produced when matter interacts with or emits electromagnetic radiation. DERIVATIVES spectroscopic |-ˈskɒpɪk |adjective, spectroscopically adverb, spectroscopist noun

spectrum

spec |trum |ˈspɛktrəm | ▶noun ( pl. spectra |-trə | ) 1 a band of colours, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength. • (the spectrum ) the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. • a characteristic series of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by a substance. • the components of a sound or other phenomenon arranged according to such characteristics as frequency, charge, and energy. 2 used to classify something in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme points: the left or the right of the political spectrum. • a wide range: self-help books are covering a broader and broader spectrum. ORIGIN early 17th cent. (in the sense ‘spectre ’): from Latin, literally ‘image, apparition ’, from specere ‘to look ’.

spectrum analyser

spec |trum ana |lys ¦er ▶noun a device for analysing a system of oscillations, especially sound, into its separate components.

specula

spec |ula |ˈspɛkjʊlə (r )| plural form of speculum.

specular

specular |ˈspɛkjʊlə | ▶adjective relating to or having the properties of a mirror. ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in specular stone, a substance formerly used as glass ): from Latin specularis, from speculum (see speculum ).

specular iron ore

spec u lar i ron ore ▶noun hematite with a metallic luster.

speculate

speculate |ˈspɛkjʊleɪt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] 1 form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence: my colleagues speculate about my private life | [ with clause ] : observers speculated that the authorities wished to improve their image. 2 invest in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss: he didn't look as though he had the money to speculate in shares. DERIVATIVES speculator noun ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin speculat- ‘observed from a vantage point ’, from the verb speculari, from specula ‘watchtower ’, from specere ‘to look ’.

speculation

specu |la ¦tion |ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃn | ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence: there has been widespread speculation that he plans to quit | this is pure speculation on my part | [ count noun ] : these are only speculations. 2 investment in stocks, property, etc. in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss: the company's move into property speculation. [ count noun ] : he was a millionaire from speculations on the stock market.

speculative

specu ¦la |tive |ˈspɛkjʊlətɪv | ▶adjective 1 engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge: he gave her a speculative glance. 2 (of an investment ) involving a high risk of loss. • (of a business venture ) undertaken on the chance of success, without a pre-existing contract. DERIVATIVES speculatively adverb, speculativeness noun

speculative builder

specu ¦la |tive build ¦er ▶noun a person who has houses erected without securing buyers in advance.

speculum

speculum |ˈspɛkjʊləm | ▶noun ( pl. specula |-lə | ) 1 Medicine a metal instrument that is used to dilate an orifice or canal in the body to allow inspection. 2 Ornithology a bright patch of plumage on the wings of certain birds, especially a strip of metallic sheen on the secondary flight feathers of many ducks. 3 a mirror or reflector of glass or metal, especially (formerly ) a metallic mirror in a reflecting telescope. • short for speculum metal. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin, literally ‘mirror ’, from specere ‘to look ’.

speculum metal

specu |lum metal ▶noun [ mass noun ] an alloy of copper and tin used to make mirrors, especially formerly for telescopes.

American Oxford Thesaurus

special

special adjective 1 a very special person: exceptional, unusual, singular, uncommon, notable, noteworthy, remarkable, outstanding, unique. ANTONYMS ordinary. 2 our town's special character: distinctive, distinct, individual, particular, characteristic, specific, peculiar, idiosyncratic. ANTONYMS general. 3 a special occasion: momentous, significant, memorable, signal, important, historic, festive, gala, red-letter. 4 a special tool for cutting tiles: specific, particular, purpose-built, tailor-made, custom-built /made. WORD NOTE special From a novel in progress: The boy no longer wanted to be special, or have a special treat, or enjoy anything special, from the time he realized that special in the sense of the Special Children's Center, where he had gone to nursery school, meant kids with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or other such ailments. — DL Conversational, opinionated, and idiomatic, these Word Notes are an opportunity to see a working writer's perspective on a particular word or usage.

specialist

specialist noun he's an electronics specialist: expert, authority, pundit, professional; connoisseur; master, maestro, adept, virtuoso; informal pro, buff, ace, whiz, hotshot, maven. ANTONYMS amateur.

specialty

specialty noun 1 his specialty was watercolors: forte, strong point, strength, métier, strong suit, talent, skill, bent, gift; Brit. speciality; informal bag, thing, cup of tea. 2 a specialty of the region: delicacy; Brit. speciality, fine food /product, traditional food /product.

species

species noun there are several species of spadefoot toad: type, kind, sort; genus, family, order, breed, strain, variety, class, classification, category, set, bracket; style, manner, form, genre; generation, vintage.

specific

specific adjective 1 a specific purpose: particular, specified, fixed, set, determined, distinct, definite; single, individual, peculiar, discrete, express, precise. ANTONYMS general. 2 I gave specific instructions: detailed, explicit, express, clear-cut, unequivocal, precise, exact, meticulous, strict, definite. ANTONYMS vague.

specification

specification noun 1 the clear specification of objectives: statement, identification, definition, description, setting out, framing, designation, detailing, enumeration; stipulation, prescription. 2 (specifications ) a shelter built to their specifications: instructions, guidelines, parameters, stipulations, requirements, conditions, provisions, restrictions, order; description, details; informal specs.

specify

specify verb specify your color preferences: state, name, identify, define, describe, set out, frame, itemize, detail, list, spell out, enumerate, particularize, cite, instance; stipulate, prescribe.

specimen

specimen noun a specimen of his handwriting: sample, example, instance, illustration, demonstration, exemplification; bit, snippet; model, prototype, pattern, dummy, pilot, trial, taster, tester.

specious

specious adjective specious reasoning: misleading, deceptive, false, fallacious, unsound, spurious, casuistic, sophistic.

speck

speck noun 1 a mere speck in the distance: dot, pinprick, spot, fleck, speckle. 2 a speck of dust: particle, grain, atom, molecule; bit, trace.

speckled

speckled adjective speckled eggs: flecked, speckly, specked, freckled, freckly, spotted, spotty, dotted, mottled, dappled.

spectacle

spectacle noun 1 a spectacle fit for a monarch: display, show, pageant, parade, performance, exhibition, extravaganza, spectacular. 2 they were rather an odd spectacle: sight, vision, scene, prospect, vista, picture. 3 don't make a spectacle of yourself: exhibition, laughingstock, fool, curiosity.

spectacles

spectacles plural noun dated she broke the frames on her spectacles: eyeglasses, glasses, eyewear; informal specs; bifocals.

spectacular

spectacular adjective 1 a spectacular victory: impressive, magnificent, splendid, dazzling, sensational, dramatic, remarkable, outstanding, memorable, unforgettable. ANTONYMS unimpressive. 2 a spectacular view: striking, picturesque, eye-catching, breathtaking, arresting, glorious; informal out of this world. ANTONYMS unimpressive, dull.

spectator

spectator noun the stands are brimming with eager spectators: watcher, viewer, observer, onlooker, looker-on, bystander, witness; commentator, reporter, monitor; literary beholder. ANTONYMS participant.

specter

specter noun 1 the specters in the crypt: ghost, phantom, apparition, spirit, wraith, shadow, presence; informal spook; literary phantasm, shade. 2 the looming specter of war: threat, menace, shadow, cloud; prospect; danger, peril, fear, dread.

spectral

spectral adjective a spectral figure darting about in a purplish fog: ghostly, phantom, wraithlike, shadowy, incorporeal, insubstantial, disembodied, unearthly, otherworldly; informal spooky.

spectrum

spectrum noun a broad spectrum of opinion: range, gamut, sweep, extent, scope, span; compass, orbit, ambit.

speculate

speculate verb 1 they speculated about my private life: conjecture, theorize, hypothesize, guess, surmise; think, wonder, muse. 2 investors speculate on the stock market: gamble on, take a risk on, venture in, wager on; invest in, play.

speculative

speculative adjective 1 any discussion is largely speculative: conjectural, suppositional, theoretical, hypothetical, putative, academic, notional, abstract; tentative, unproven, unfounded, groundless, unsubstantiated. 2 a speculative investment: risky, hazardous, unsafe, uncertain, unpredictable; informal chancy, dicey, iffy.

Oxford Thesaurus

special

special adjective 1 they always make a special effort at Christmas | she's a very special person: exceptional, particular, extra special, unusual, marked, singular, uncommon, notable, noteworthy, remarkable, outstanding, unique. ANTONYMS ordinary. 2 we want to preserve our town's special character: distinctive, distinct, individual, particular, specific, certain, peculiar, definite, express, precise. ANTONYMS general. 3 a special occasion: momentous, significant, memorable, of moment, signal, important, historic, festive, gala, red-letter. 4 this is a special tool used for recutting washer seats on taps: specific, particular, purpose-built, tailor-made, custom-built.

specialist

specialist noun a specialist in electronics: expert, authority, pundit, professional, consultant, connoisseur, fancier, master, maestro, adept, virtuoso, old hand, skilled person; informal pro, buff, ace, whizz, wizard, hotshot; Brit. informal dab hand; N. Amer. informal maven, crackerjack; rare proficient. ANTONYMS generalist; amateur; dunce.

speciality

speciality noun 1 his speciality was watercolours: forte, strong point, strength, métier, long suit, strong suit, talent, skill, bent, gift, claim to fame, department, pièce de résistance; informal bag, thing, cup of tea. 2 funding was agreed for specialities like psychiatry and anaesthesia: area of specialization, specialty, field of study, area, branch of knowledge, medical /surgical field.

species

species noun there are several species of spadefoot toad: type, kind, sort; genus, family, order, breed, race, strain, variety, class, category, classification; style, manner, design, shape, form, pattern, group, set, bracket, genre, rank, generation, vintage, make, model, brand.

specific

specific adjective 1 I use this place for a specific purpose: particular, specified, certain, fixed, set, determined, distinct, separate, definite, single, individual, peculiar, discrete, express, precise. ANTONYMS general. 2 make sure you give very specific instructions: exact, accurate, precise, correct, error-free, pinpoint, detailed, explicit, express, clear-cut, well defined, unambiguous, unequivocal, meticulous, close, strict, definite. ANTONYMS vague.

specification

specification noun 1 there was no clear specification of objectives: statement, stating, naming, identification, definition, defining, describing, description, setting out, setting down, framing, itemizing, designation, designating, detailing, listing, spelling out, enumeration, enumerating, particularizing, cataloguing, citing, instancing; stipulating, stipulation, prescribing, prescription, commanding, ordaining; rare individuation. 2 (usually specifications ) air-raid shelters built to government specifications were death traps: instructions, stipulations, requirements, conditions, provisions, restrictions, provisos, guidelines, parameters, order; description, details, delineation.

specify

specify verb the manufacturer would not specify the sums involved: state, name, identify, define, describe, set out, set down, draw up, frame, itemize, designate, detail, list, spell out, enumerate, particularize, catalogue, cite, instance, be specific about; stipulate, prescribe, order, command, ordain; rare individuate.

specimen

specimen noun he was asked for a specimen of his handwriting: sample, example, bit, snippet, illustration, demonstration, exemplification, instance, selection, representative piece; model, prototype, pattern, dummy, swatch, test piece, pilot, trailer, trial, indication, foretaste, taste, taster, tester, smear; archaic scantling.

specious

specious adjective a specious argument: plausible but wrong, seemingly correct, misleading, deceptive, false, fallacious, unsound, casuistic, sophistic.

speck

speck noun 1 the figure in the distance had become a mere speck: dot, pinprick, spot, fleck, speckle, stain, mark, smudge, blemish. 2 he brushed a speck of dust from his sleeve: particle, bit, tiny bit, piece, tiny piece, atom, molecule, grain, trace.

speckled

speckled adjective a large speckled brown egg: flecked, speckly, specked, freckled, freckly, spotted, spotty, dotted, stippled, sprinkled, mottled, dappled, blotchy, brindled. ANTONYMS plain.

spectacle

spectacle noun 1 the Queen's Birthday Parade is a spectacle fit for a monarch: display, show, performance, presentation, exhibition, pageant, parade, extravaganza. 2 the four men did present rather an odd spectacle: sight, vision, view, scene, prospect, vista, outlook, picture. 3 be careful, Your Highness, or you're liable to make a spectacle of yourself: exhibition, laughing stock, fool, curiosity.

spectacles

spectacles plural noun glasses, eyewear; N. Amer. eyeglasses; informal specs.

spectacular

spectacular adjective 1 a spectacular victory: impressive, magnificent, splendid, dazzling, sensational, stunning, dramatic, remarkable, outstanding, memorable, unforgettable, never to be forgotten, unique. ANTONYMS unimpressive. 2 a spectacular view: striking, picturesque, eye-catching, breathtaking, arresting, glorious; informal out of this world. ANTONYMS dull. ▶noun French history was represented in a spectacular for tourists: extravaganza, display, spectacle, exhibition, performance, presentation, show, pageant.

spectator

spectator noun the game attracted about 40,000 spectators: onlooker, watcher, looker-on, fly on the wall, viewer, observer, witness, eyewitness, bystander, non-participant, sightseer; commentator, reporter, monitor, blogger; informal rubberneck; literary beholder. ANTONYMS participant, player.

spectral

spectral adjective four spectral shapes moved through the thick yellow mist: ghostly, wraithlike, shadowy, phantom, incorporeal, insubstantial, disembodied, unearthly, other-worldly; ghastly, eerie, weird, uncanny; informal spooky; rare phantasmal, phantasmic.

spectre

spectre noun 1 the spectres of the murdered boys: ghost, phantom, apparition, spirit, wraith, shadow, presence, illusion; Scottish & Irish bodach; German doppelgänger; W. Indian duppy; informal spook; literary phantasm, shade, revenant, wight; rare eidolon, manes. 2 the spectre of a ruinous trade war loomed: threat, menace, shadow, cloud, vision; prospect; danger, peril, fear, dread.

spectrum

spectrum noun a broad spectrum of opinion: range, gamut, sweep, scope, span; scale; variety; compass, orbit, ambit.

speculate

speculate verb 1 my colleagues speculate about my private life: conjecture, theorize, form theories, hypothesize, make suppositions, postulate, guess, make guesses, surmise; think, wonder, muse. 2 investors can make profits from speculating on the stock market: gamble, take a risk /chance, venture, take a venture, wager; invest, play the market; Brit. informal have a flutter, punt.

speculation

speculation noun 1 his resignation fuelled speculation of an imminent cabinet reshuffle: conjecture, theorizing, hypothesizing, supposition, guesswork; talk; theory, hypothesis, thesis, postulation, guess, surmise, opinion, notion; prediction, forecast; informal guesstimate. 2 a speculation on the stock market: gamble, venture, risk; gambling; investment; informal spec; Brit. informal flutter; archaic adventure.

speculative

speculative adjective 1 any discussion of the question is largely speculative: conjectural, suppositional, theoretical, hypothetical, based on guesswork, putative, academic, notional, abstract; tentative, unproven, untested, unfounded, groundless, unsubstantiated; rare ideational, suppositious, suppositive. ANTONYMS proven. 2 a speculative investment: risky, hazardous, unsafe, uncertain, unpredictable; informal chancy, dicey, iffy; Brit. informal dodgy. ANTONYMS safe.

Duden Dictionary

Specht

Specht Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e cht |der Specht; Genitiv: des Specht [e ]s, Plural: die Spechte mittelhochdeutsch, althochdeutsch speht, weitergebildet aus gleichbedeutend mittelhochdeutsch spech, althochdeutsch speh, Herkunft ungeklärt Vogel mit langem, geradem, kräftigem Schnabel, mit dem er, am Baumstamm kletternd, Insekten und deren Larven aus der Rinde herausholt der Specht trommelt, hackt, klopft

spechteln

spech teln schwaches Verb österreichisch umgangssprachlich |sp e chteln |schwaches Verb; Perfektbildung mit »hat « schauen, spähen, spionieren

spechten

spech ten schwaches Verb bayrisch |sp e chten |schauen, spähen, spionieren

Spechtmeise

Specht mei se Substantiv, feminin , die |Sp e chtmeise |Kleiber

Special

Spe cial Substantiv, Neutrum , das |ˈspɛʃl̩ |das Special; Genitiv: des Specials, Plural: die Specials englisch special, zu: special = speziell < altfranzösisch especial < lateinisch specialis, speziell Fernseh-, Rundfunksendung, in der eine Persönlichkeit (meist ein Künstler ), eine Gruppe oder ein Thema im Mittelpunkt steht

Special Effect

Spe cial Ef fect Substantiv, maskulin , der |ˈspɛʃəl ɪˈfɛkt |der Special Effect; Genitiv: des Special Effects, Special Effects meist im Plural englisch special effect, aus: special, Special und effect = Effekt von Computern erzeugter besonderer Bild- oder Toneffekt (besonders bei Actionfilmen )

Special-Interest-Magazin

Spe cial-In terest-Ma ga zin Substantiv, Neutrum , das |…ˈɪntrəst …|das Special-Interest-Magazin; Genitiv: des Special-Interest-Magazins, Plural: die Special-Interest-Magazine englisch Zeitschrift, die sich nur einem bestimmten Themenbereich widmet und eine Lesergruppe anspricht, die zwischen Allgemein- und Fachpublikum angesiedelt ist

Special Offer

Spe cial Of fer Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Special O ffer |das Special Offer; Genitiv: des Special Offer, Special Offers englisch Sonderangebot, Angebot [zu einem Sonderpreis ]

Species

Spe ci es , die Spezies |ˈʃpeːt͜si̯ɛs sp …|

Speck

Speck Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e ck |der Speck; Genitiv: des Speck [e ]s, (Sorten:) Specke mittelhochdeutsch spec, althochdeutsch spek, vielleicht eigentlich = Dickes, Fettes 1 a (besonders beim Schwein vorkommendes ) viel Fett enthaltendes Gewebe, das als dicke Schicht unter der Haut sitzt fetter, durchwachsener, geräucherter Speck | Speck räuchern, braten, in Würfel schneiden, auslassen | Erbsen, Bohnen mit Speck den Speck riechen umgangssprachlich ; Braten ran an den Speck ! umgangssprachlich los! , an die Arbeit! mit Speck fängt man Mäuse mit einem verlockenden Angebot kann man jemanden dazu bewegen, etwas zu tun, auf etwas einzugehen 2 umgangssprachlich scherzhaft Ablagerung von Fett im menschlichen Körper sie hat ganz schön Speck um die Hüften | umgangssprachlich Speck ansetzen an Gewicht zunehmen | umgangssprachlich [keinen ] Speck auf den Rippen haben [ganz und gar nicht ] dick sein

Speckbauch

Speck bauch Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich, oft scherzhaft , der |Sp e ckbauch |Schmerbauch

speckbäuchig

speck bäu chig Adjektiv |sp e ckbäuchig |

Speckgürtel

Speck gür tel Substantiv, maskulin scherzhaft , der |Sp e ckgürtel |(dicht besiedeltes ) Umland einer größeren Stadt immer mehr Familien ziehen in den Speckgürtel der Landeshauptstadt

Speckhals

Speck hals Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e ckhals |

speckig

spe ckig Adjektiv |sp e ckig |zu Speck 1 a abgewetzt und auf fettig-glänzende Weise schmutzig ein speckiger Hut, Kragen, Anzug | ein speckiges (abgegriffenes, schmutziges ) Buch; der Polstersessel ist mit den Jahren speckig geworden, glänzt speckig b wie Speck [glänzend ]2 umgangssprachlich abwertend in unangenehmer Weise dick, fett; feist ein speckiger Nacken | speckige Backen 3 landschaftlich nicht richtig durchgebacken und deshalb klebrig-teigig speckiges Brot

Speckkäfer

Speck kä fer Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e ckkäfer |(in vielen Arten vorkommender ) kleiner Käfer, dessen Larven von fetthaltigen Stoffen meist tierischer Herkunft leben

Speckknödel

Speck knö del Substantiv, maskulin süddeutsch, österreichisch , der |Sp e ckknödel |Knödel mit Speckstückchen

Speckkuchen

Speck ku chen Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e ckkuchen |mit Speckstückchen belegter Kuchen, der warm gegessen wird

Specknacken

Speck na cken Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e cknacken |

Speckpolster

Speck pols ter Substantiv, Neutrum umgangssprachlich , das Fettpolster

Speckröllchen

Speck röll chen Substantiv, Neutrum umgangssprachlich scherzhaft , das |Sp e ckröllchen |rund um einen Körperteil verlaufendes Fettpolster

Speckscheibe

Speck schei be Substantiv, feminin , die |Sp e ckscheibe |Scheibe Speck vom Schwein

Speckschicht

Speck schicht Substantiv, feminin , die von Speck gebildete Schicht

Speckschwarte

Speck schwar te Substantiv, feminin , die |Sp e ckschwarte |Schwarte an einem Stück Speck

Speckseite

Speck sei te Substantiv, feminin , die |Sp e ckseite |großes Stück Speck vom Schwein

Specksoße

Speck so ße , Speck sau ce Substantiv, feminin , die Specksauce |Sp e cksoße Sp e cksauce |

Speckstein

Speck stein Substantiv, maskulin , der |Sp e ckstein |Steatit Skulpturen aus Speckstein

Speckstück

Speck stück Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Sp e ckstück |Stück Speck vom Schwein

Speckstückchen

Speck stück chen Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Sp e ckstückchen |kleines Speckstück

Speckwürfel

Speck wür fel Substantiv, maskulin , der kleines würfelförmiges Speckstück

Speculum

Spe cu lum Substantiv, Neutrum , das |ˈʃpeː …, ˈspeː …|das Speculum; Genitiv: des Speculums, Plural: die Specula lateinisch ; »Spiegel «Titel von spätmittelalterlichen Kompilationen 1 theologischer, lehrhafter und unterhaltender Art

French Dictionary

spécial

spécial , iale , iaux adj. adjectif 1 Qui s ’applique exclusivement à une personne, à une chose. : Un visage très spécial. SYNONYME caractéristique ; propre à ; singulier . ANTONYME commun . Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec l ’adjectif spécifique, qui est caractéristique d ’une espèce. 2 Particulier, destiné à une personne, à un groupe. : Une classe spéciale de rattrapage. Des timbres spéciaux. Achetez l ’édition spéciale! SYNONYME exceptionnel . ANTONYME courant . 3 Bizarre, non courant. : Ce vêtement est un peu spécial. SYNONYME excentrique ; original . FORMES FAUTIVES en spécial. Anglicisme pour au rabais, soldé. livraison spéciale. Calque de « special delivery » pour livraison par exprès. prix spécial. Anglicisme au sens de prix réduit. spécial. Anglicisme au sens de extraordinaire. : Une assemblée extraordinaire (et non *spéciale ). spécial du jour. Anglicisme pour plat du jour, menu du jour. spéciaux. Anglicisme au sens de soldes.

spécialement

spécialement adv. adverbe D ’une manière spéciale. : Bruno a acheté ce livre spécialement pour moi. SYNONYME particulier ; particulièrement .

spécialisation

spécialisation n. f. nom féminin Fait de se spécialiser. : Choisiras-tu une spécialisation en géographie?

spécialisé

spécialisé , ée adj. adjectif Qui est relatif à un domaine particulier de l ’activité, de l ’enseignement. : Une formation spécialisée en finance. Le vocabulaire spécialisé de l ’informatique.

spécialiser

spécialiser v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif Donner une formation précise. : Spécialiser des étudiants en infographie. verbe pronominal Acquérir des connaissances dans un domaine particulier. : Étienne s ’est spécialisé en neurologie: il est neurologue. Note Syntaxique Le verbe se construit avec les prépositions en, dans. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Sa nièce s ’est spécialisée en pédiatrie. aimer

spécialiste

spécialiste adj. et n. m. et f. adjectif et nom masculin et féminin 1 Personne qui a reçu une formation poussée et qui a acquis une grande expérience dans un domaine particulier, surtout scientifique ou technique. : Une spécialiste de l ’archéologie. SYNONYME expert . 2 Médecin spécialisé dans un domaine précis (par opposition à généraliste ). : Un neurologue est un médecin qui est un spécialiste du système nerveux.

spécialité

spécialité n. f. nom féminin 1 Secteur d ’études, d ’activité déterminé. : Une spécialité en informatique. L ’étude et la mise à jour des langues de spécialités, c ’est-à -dire de la terminologie des différents domaines. SYNONYME branche ; domaine . 2 Mets typique d ’une région, d ’un chef. : La spécialité du chef.

spécieux

spécieux , ieuse adj. adjectif Qui est de nature à induire en erreur, qui n ’a qu ’une apparence de vérité. : Des affirmations spécieuses. Note Orthographique spé c ieux.

spécification

spécification n. f. nom féminin 1 didactique Action de spécifier, de déterminer précisément quelque chose. : La spécification des conditions d ’un marché. 2 Définition des caractéristiques d ’un produit, d ’un service. : Des spécifications techniques. Note Orthographique spécifi c ation.

spécificité

spécificité n. f. nom féminin Caractère de ce qui est spécifique. : La spécificité d ’un virus. Note Orthographique spé c ifi c ité.

spécifier

spécifier v. tr. verbe transitif Mentionner clairement, préciser. : As-tu spécifié la date de notre rendez-vous? SYNONYME indiquer . étudier Conjugaison Redoublement du i à la première et à la deuxième personne du pluriel de l ’indicatif imparfait et du subjonctif présent. (Que ) nous spécifiions, (que ) vous spécifiiez.Note Orthographique spé c ifier.

spécifique

spécifique adj. adjectif Qui est propre à une espèce. : Le goût spécifique de l ’érable. Un terme spécifique, par opposition à un terme générique. ANTONYME générique . Note Syntaxique L ’adjectif spécifique se construit avec la préposition de. Les caractéristiques spécifiques d ’un champignon. Par contre, l ’adjectif propre se construit avec la préposition à. Les qualités propres à cette personne sont le dynamisme et la détermination. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec l ’adjectif spécial, propre à une personne, à une chose. Note Orthographique spé c ifique.

spécifiquement

spécifiquement adv. adverbe D ’une manière spécifique. Note Orthographique spé c ifiquement.

spécimen

spécimen n. m. (pl. spécimens ) nom masculin Échantillon. : Des spécimens d ’insectes bien conservés sont exposés à l ’Insectarium. Note Technique Ce mot d ’origine latine est francisé; il s ’écrit avec un accent aigu et prend la marque du pluriel. spécimen (de sang, d ’urine, etc. ). Anglicisme au sens de prélèvement, échantillon (de sang, d ’urine, etc. ) (DDFM ). Prononciation Le n se prononce, [spesimɛn ]; le mot rime avec mène

spectacle

spectacle n. m. nom masculin 1 Ce qui s ’offre à la vue et peut retenir l ’attention. : Le spectacle de la mer qui vient battre les rochers. SYNONYME scène ; tableau ; vue . 2 Représentation (cinématographique, théâtrale, etc. ). : Un spectacle de ballet, de musique. Une salle de spectacle ou de spectacles. 3 Secteur d ’activité touchant le théâtre, le cinéma. : L ’industrie du spectacle (et non le *show business ). LOCUTIONS Au spectacle de À la vue de. : Au spectacle de cette explosion, ils se mirent à crier au secours. SYNONYME au vu de . Se donner en spectacle. S ’exposer à la vue de, à l ’attention de, pour attirer l ’attention. SYNONYME afficher ; exhiber .

spectaculaire

spectaculaire adj. adjectif Impressionnant, frappant. : Un incendie spectaculaire, un succès spectaculaire. Note Orthographique spectacul aire.

spectateur

spectateur , trice n. m. et f. nom masculin et féminin Personne qui assiste à un spectacle. : Les spectateurs ont applaudi avec enthousiasme.

spectral

spectral , ale , aux adj. adjectif 1 littéraire Qui a le caractère d ’un fantôme. : Des personnages spectraux. 2 Relatif au spectre de la lumière. : Une analyse spectrale.

spectre

spectre n. m. nom masculin 1 Fantôme. : As-tu vu des spectres dans la Maison hantée de La Ronde? 2 Décomposition de la lumière solaire en couleurs allant du violet au rouge. : Les couleurs du spectre sont rouge, orangé, jaune, vert, bleu, indigo et violet. 3 figuré Apparition, vision de quelque chose de terrifiant. : Le spectre de la guerre. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec le nom sceptre, bâton de commandement, symbole de l ’autorité.

spéculateur

spéculateur , trice n. m. et f. nom masculin et féminin Personne qui fait de la spéculation financière.

spéculatif

spéculatif , ive adj. adjectif 1 Qui s ’attache à la spéculation, à l ’étude théorique. : Une recherche spéculative. ANTONYME pragmatique ; pratique . 2 Relatif à la spéculation financière. : Des titres spéculatifs.

spéculation

spéculation n. f. nom féminin 1 philosophie Considération théorique. : Se livrer à des spéculations. SYNONYME théorie . ANTONYME pratique . 2 Technique d ’achat ou de revente de biens, de titres en vue de tirer profit des fluctuations de leur prix, de leur cours. : Les promoteurs font de la spéculation sur des immeubles du quartier. FORME FAUTIVE spéculations. Anglicisme au sens de conjecture, hypothèse, prédiction.

spéculer

spéculer v. intr. verbe intransitif 1 Réfléchir sur, examiner de façon théorique. 2 Faire des spéculations financières. : Spéculer sur des titres du secteur de la biotechnologie. aimer

spéculum

spéculum n. m. nom masculin Instrument médical destiné à faciliter l ’examen d ’une cavité. : Des spéculums jetables. Note Grammaticale Ce nom d ’origine latine est francisé: il s ’écrit avec un accent aigu et prend la marque du pluriel. Prononciation Les lettres um se prononcent om, [spekylɔm ]; le nom rime avec pomme

Sanseido Dictionary

SPEC

SPEC 〖 South Pacific Bureau for Economic Cooperation 〗南太平洋フォーラム事務局。南太平洋フォーラムの事務局本部。1973 年設立，88 年現名に改称。所在地フィジー。

SPECT

SPECT 〖 single photon emission computed tomography 〗単光子放射型コンピューター断層撮影法。ガンマ線放出元素を投与し，体外からその分布を測定してコンピューターで画像処理し，血液量や代謝機能を調べる。

Sanseido Wisdom Dictionary

spec

spec /spek / (! speckと同音 ) 〖spec ulationの短縮形〗名詞 U C ｟くだけて｠投機 ; 思惑 .on sp é c ｟英くだけて｠思惑で ; 一か八かで .

spec

spec .special ; specially ; specification .

special

spe cial /spéʃ (ə )l /〖語源は「特有の」〗(名 )specialist, (動 )specialize, (副 )specially 形容詞 more ～; most ～1 (比較なし )〖通例名詞の前で〗(普通とは違って )特別の [な ]; 特殊の (↔general )▸ special treatment [cases ]特別扱い [特例 ]▸ Do you plan to do anything special on that day? ｟主に話｠その日は何か特別なことをするつもりなの ▸ on special occasions 特別な機会に ▸ a special price 特価 ▸ special skills 特殊技能 .類義 specialとunique, particular, specific special は「同種類のものと比べて特別な性質をもつこと」を示す. unique は「それしかない唯一の特別さ」を表し, particular は「同種類のものと区別される特異性」をいう. また specific では特に「明確性具体性」が含意される .2 «…にとって » 特別に大事な , とりわけ重要な «to » (↔normal )▸ a special guest [friend ]とても大事なお客様 [大親友 ]▸ You have [hold ] a special place in my heart .僕の中で君はかけがえのない存在なんだ 3 〖名詞の前で〗(通例に比べ )格別の , より一層の (｟よりかたく｠especial )▸ need special care [attention ]特段の世話 [注意 ]を要する 4 (比較なし )〖名詞の前で〗特別な目的のための ; 特設の, 臨時の ▸ a special prosecutor [envoy ]特別検察官 [特使 ]▸ a special report [edition ]特別報道 [臨時増刊号 ]5 独特の , 独自の , 固有の (unique )▸ A's (own ) special way of typing A 〈人〉独自のタイピング方法 ▸ have [pose ] special problems 特有の問題を抱えている [引き起こす ]6 (比較なし )〖名詞の前で〗障害者用の〈施設など〉.7 専門の , 専攻の .名詞 C 〖通例単数形で〗1 特別の物 [人 ]; 特使 ; 特別 [臨時 ]列車 .2 (テレビなどの )特別番組 ; 特集 (記事 )▸ a New Year special on television テレビの新年特別番組 3 特別料理 ; 特売品 ▸ today's special 本日のおすすめ (品 ).4 ｟主に米くだけて｠特別価格 ▸ There's a special on pizza today .今日はピザがお安くなっています .on sp é cial 特売 [安売り ]中で ; 特価で ▸ This item is on special for 20 dollars .こちらの商品は20ドルで特別奉仕中です～̀ á gent ｟米｠(FBIの )特別捜査官 .S -̀ À ir S é rvices 英陸軍特殊部隊 (｟略｠SAS ).S -̀ Br á nch 〖しばしばthe ～; 単複両扱い〗(英国警察の )公安部 .～̀ c ó nstable ｟英｠(非常時に任命される )臨時巡査 .～̀ del í very ｟米｠速達郵便 (｟略｠SD; ｟英｠express delivery ).～̀ educ á tion (障害児などのための )特殊教育 .～̀ eff é ct 〖通例～s 〗(映画放送などの )特殊効果 (SFX ).～̀ f ó rces ｟米｠〖しばしばS - F- 〗〘軍〙特殊部隊 .～̀ í nterest ｟米｠〖しばしば～s 〗(一般に )利益団体 .～̀ í nterest gr ò up 特別利益団体 .～̀ l í cence ｟英｠結婚特別許可書〘英国国教会が出す, 通例認められない場所や日時での結婚の許可書〙.～̀ n é eds ｟英｠(身障者などの )特別なニーズ .～̀ ó ffer 特別提供価格 ; 特別奉仕 (品 )▸ be on special offer 特別奉仕中で .～̀ pl é ading 〘法〙特別 [新 ]事実の訴答 ; 手前勝手な議論 .～́ sch ò ol ｟主に英｠(障害児などのための )特殊学校 .～̀ st ú dent ｟米｠聴講生 .～ness 名詞

specialise

spe cial ise /spéʃəlàɪz /動詞｟英｠＝specialize .

specialism

sp é cial ì sm 名詞 1 U 専門化 ; 専門主義 .2 C 専攻 [専門 ](分野 ).

specialist

spe cial ist /spéʃəlɪst /→special 名詞複～s /-ts /C 1 【特定分野の】専門家 (expert ); 専門医 «in , on » ▸ a history specialist ≒a specialist in history 歴史の専門家 ▸ an AIDS specialist at [with ] London Hospital ロンドン病院のエイズ専門医 2 〖名詞の前で形容詞的に〗専門 (家 )の , 専門家向けの ▸ specialist advice 専門家によるアドバイス 3 ｟米｠〘軍〙(陸軍の )特技官 .

speciality

spe ci al i ty /spèʃiǽləti /名詞｟主に英｠＝specialty .

specialize

spe cial ize /spéʃəlàɪz /→special 動詞～s /-ɪz /; ～d /-d /; -izing 自動詞 1 〈研究者大学院生技術者などが〉 «…を » 専攻する , 専門に (研究 )する «in » (!majorに比べ職業的研究の含意が強い; 研究者の場合はmajor, specializeの両方が使用可能だが, 学部生の場合はmajor, 技術者はspecializeを使う方が普通 ) ▸ specialize in Japanese history 日本史を専門にする 2 〈店会社などが〉 «…を » 専門とする , 専門に扱う «in » ▸ a restaurant specializing in Chinese cuisine 中華料理の専門店 3 〘生物〙〈器官などが〉分化する, (環境に )適応する .他動詞 1 〖通例be ～dで〗〘生物〙〈器官などが〉分化する, (環境に )適応する .2 …を特殊 [専門 ]化する .3 …を詳細に述べる ; …を列挙する .4 〈考え陳述など〉を修正する , 限定する .sp è cial i z á tion 名詞 U C 1 専門 (分野 ); 特殊 [専門 ]化 .2 〘生物〙分化 .

specialized

sp é cial ì zed 形容詞特殊 [専門 ]化した ▸ highly specialized knowledge [skill ]高度な専門知識 [技術 ]

specially

spe cial ly /spéʃ (ə )li /→special 副詞比較なし 1 (ある目的用途人などに合わせて )特 (別 )に ; わざわざ ; 臨時に (!主に過分副詞句の前で; →especially ) ▸ This book is specially designed for kids .この本は特に子供向けに書かれたものです 2 ｟くだけた話｠並外れて , 格別に (→especially )▸ He had a specially good time at the party .彼はパーティで非常に楽しい時を過ごした

specialty

spe cial ty /spéʃ (ə )lti /名詞 C (!通例｟英｠では 4 の意味で用い, 1 , 2 , 3 ではspecialityを用いる ) 1 ｟主に米｠(店人などの )名物 [得意 ]料理 ; (その土地地域の )特産 [名産 ]品 ▸ What is the specialty of the house? この店の自慢料理は何ですか 2 ｟主に米｠専門, 専攻 ; 本職 ; 得意分野 .3 ｟主に米｠特徴, 特質, 特色 .4 〘法〙捺（なつ）印証書 [契約書 ].

specie

spe cie /spíːʃi /名詞 U (紙幣と区別して )正金, 正貨 ; 金銀貨幣 ▸ in specie 正金で ; (お返しに )同じやり方で .

species

spe cies /spíːʃiːz, -ɪz / (! -pe-は /piː /) 〖語源は「外形」〗名詞複～1 C 〘生物〙種（しゆ）(→classification 2 )〘動植物分類上の単位; 生殖可能な範囲の集合〙▸ the human species 人類 ▸ the Endangered Species Act 絶滅危惧（きぐ）種法 (｟略｠ESA )▸ On the Origin of Species 『種の起源』〘C. Darwinの著書 (1859 )〙▸ 82 different species of bird (s )82種のさまざまな鳥類 (!｟コーパス｠通例ofの後には, speciesが複数形の場合は C 名詞の無冠詞複数形または単数形, 単数形の場合は C 名詞の無冠詞単数形がくる ) 2 C 〖the /our ～〗人類 (humankind )▸ the origin of our species 人類の起源 3 C ｟くだけて｠種類 , 一種 .4 U 〖種類では可算〗〘論〙種 , 種概念〘類概念を構成する1つの種としての概念; →genus 〙.5 C 〘カトリック〙ミサ用のパンとぶどう酒 ; その外形 [観 ].6 U 〖種類では可算〗〘法〙形式 , 体裁 .～́ b à rrier 〖単数形で〗種間障壁〘伝染病などの動植物の種を越えた感染を防ぐ自然の機能〙.

specif

specif .specific ; specifically .

specifiable

spec i fi able /spésəfà (ɪ )əb (ə )l /形容詞明示 [明記, 詳述 ]できる .

specific

spe cif ic /spəsɪ́fɪk / (! 強勢は第2音節 ) 〖原義は「特有の」〗(副 )specifically, (動 )specify 形容詞 more ～; most ～/3 , 4 , 5 は比較なし 1 〖通例名詞の前で〗特定の , 一定の (↔general ; →special 類義 )▸ plants found in specific areas in Canada カナダの一定地域に見られる植物 ▸ specific problems [purposes ]特定の問題 [目的 ]2 (描写内容などが )明確な , はっきりとした , 具体的な ▸ provide specific information [instructions ]くわしい情報 [具体的な指示 ]を与える ▸ Can you be more specific about it? それについてもっと具体的に説明してくれませんか ▸ to be specific はっきりと言えば 3 ｟かたく｠〖通例be ～〗 «…に » 特有の , 固有の , 独特な «to » (!peculiar to, limited toの方が普通 ) ▸ diseases specific to the elderly 老人に特有の病気 4 〖複合語を作って〗…に特定 [特有 ]の , …に限定された (!時に名詞と複合語を構成 ) ▸ gender -specific (男女いずれか )一方の性に特定の 5 〘医〙〈薬などが〉【病気症状などに】特効のある «for » .6 〘医〙〈病気などが〉 «…に » 特殊な原因で起こる «to » ; 〈抗体抗原などが〉特異性の .7 〘生物〙種（しゆ）の , 種特有の .8 〈税金が〉従量制の .名詞 C 1 〖～s 〗詳細 (部分 ), 細部 (particulars ) (!これから決定検討する特定事項をさすことが多い ) ▸ discuss [get into ] the specifics 詳細を議論する [に入る ].2 ｟古｠〘医〙【特定の病気の】特効薬 (specific remedy [medicine ]) «for » .～̀ gr á vity 〘物理〙比重 (｟略｠sp. grav., sp. gr. ).～̀ h é at (cap á city )〘物理〙比熱 .～̀ n á me 〘生物〙種名 .spec i fic i ty /spèsəfɪ́səti /名詞 U 特性, 特異性 .

specifically

spe cif i cal ly /spəsɪ́fɪk (ə )li /→specific 副詞 more ～; most ～/通例 1 , 2 は比較なし 1 特に , 特別に , とりわけ (particularly )▸ This is a golf course specifically designed for beginners .これは特に初心者向けに設計されたゴルフコースです 2 明確に , はっきりと〈言うなど〉(definitely )▸ I specifically asked you to come home early .早く帰宅するようにはっきり君に言っただろ 3 〖文修飾〗明確に言うと , 具体的には (→for example 読解のポイント )▸ It happened a few years ago, or more specifically , in 2003 .それが起きたのは数年前, より具体的には2003年のことだ .

specification

spec i fi ca tion /spèsəfɪkéɪʃ (ə )n /名詞 1 C a. 〖通例～s 〗(機械建築物などの )仕様書, 設計明細書 (｟略｠spec. )▸ meet [to ] the automaker's specifications 自動車メーカーの仕様に合う [に沿って ]▸ technical specifications for computers コンピュータの技術仕様書 .b. (技術面などの )水準 ▸ to a high specification 高水準で 2 C ｟主に英｠明細事項 ; U 明細に記すこと, 詳述 .3 C 〘法〙特許明細書 .

specify

spec i fy /spésəfàɪ /→specific 動詞 -fies /-z /; -fied /-d /; ～ing 他動詞 1 …を明細 [具体的 ]に述べる [記す ], …を細かく指定 [特定 ]する ; 〖～ that節 /wh節〗…ということを […かを ]はっきり述べる [記す , 規定する ]▸ specify a date 日時を指定する ▸ at a specified time 指定の時間に 2 …を明細書に記入する , 仕様書に指定する .

specimen

spec i men /spésəmɪn /〖語源は「実験」〗名詞複～s /-z /C 1 (動物植物などの )標本 ; (血液尿などの )サンプル ▸ collect specimens of butterflies チョウの標本を集める ▸ obtain a urine [blood ] specimen 尿 [血液 ]のサンプルを得る 2 見本 , 実例 , 典型 ; 〖形容詞的に〗見本の ▸ a specimen of our conversation 私たちの会話の見本 3 ｟くだけておどけて /しばしばけなして｠〖通例形容詞を伴って〗…な人 , …なやつ ▸ a queer specimen 変なやつ

specious

spe cious /spíːʃəs / (! -e-は /iː /) 形容詞｟かたく｠もっともらしい ; まことしやかな .～ly 副詞～ness 名詞

speck

speck /spek /名詞複～s /-s /C 1 小さな点 ; 斑点（はんてん）, しみ , 汚点 ; (果物などの )小さな傷 ▸ see a dark speck in the distance 遠くに黒い点が見える ▸ a tiny speck of blood 血液の小さなしみ 2 〖a ～ of A 〗微量 [わずか ]のA (!Aは名詞 ) ; 〖否定語と共に〗微塵（みじん）[少し ]も (…ない )▸ brush a speck of dust off 少し付いたほこりを払い落とす ▸ without a speck of make-up まったく化粧をしないで動詞他動詞〖通例be ～ed 〗 «…の » 斑点 [しみ ]が付いている «with » .sp é ck less 形容詞

specked

specked /-t /形容詞 «…で » しみになった, 汚れた «with » ; 斑点（はんてん）入りの ▸ a dirty blanket specked with blood 血痕（けつこん）の付いた汚い毛布

speckle

speck le /spék (ə )l /名詞 C 〖通例～s 〗斑点（はんてん）, まだら ; しみ .動詞他動詞 …にしみを付ける .

speckled

sp é ck led 形容詞〖通例名詞の前で〗しみ [斑点（はんてん）, 傷 ]が付いた ▸ speckled marble 斑点模様の大理石 ▸ a work shirt speckled with paint ペンキのしみが付いた仕事着

specs

specs /speks /名詞｟くだけて｠〖複数扱い〗1 ｟英｠めがね ; サングラス〘spec tacle s の略〙.2 ｟米｠(製品の )明細仕様 (書 ) 〘spec ification s の略〙.

spectacle

spec ta cle /spéktək (ə )l /〖原義は「見もの, 見世物」〗(形名 )spectacular 名詞複～s /-z /1 C (印象的なすばらしい )光景 , 眺め ; 壮観 , 美観 ▸ a grand spectacle from the top of the mountain 山頂からの壮大な眺め 2 C U (壮大な大掛かりな )見せ物 , ショー , 式典 ; (映画などの )見せ場 , スペクタクル .3 C ｟通例非難して｠〖単数形で〗(異様な驚くような )光景 (sight ), ありさま ; 見もの ; 哀れな様子 ▸ a public spectacle 世間のさらしもの 4 ｟主に英かたくやや古｠〖～s 〗めがね (!glassesの方が一般的 ) ▸ gold-rimmed spectacles 金縁のめがね m à ke a sp é ctacle of one s è lf (愚かなふるまいや服装などをして )物笑いになる, 恥をさらす .

spectacled

sp é c ta cled 形容詞めがねを掛けた ; (動物が )めがね模様のついた .

spectacular

spec tac u lar /spektǽkjələ r / (! 強勢は第2音節 ) →spectacle 形容詞 more ～; most ～1 壮観な , 目を見張る (ほどの ); 見せ物の (ような )▸ a spectacular view 壮観な眺め 2 劇的な , 著しい ▸ a spectacular success めざましい成功名詞 C 〖通例修飾語を伴って〗壮大なショー [見せ物 ]; (テレビの )豪華番組 ; (映画の )超大作 , スペクタクル .～ly 副詞めざましく, 豪華に .

spectate

spec tate /spéktèɪt |--́ /動詞自動詞【スポーツなどを】観戦する «at » .

spectator

spec ta tor /spéktèɪtə r |--́- /〖spectacle (見る )or 1 (人 )〗名詞複～s /-z /C 1 【スポーツの試合イベントなどの】観客 , 観衆 «at » (→audience )▸ thousands of spectators at the basketball finals バスケットボール決勝の数千人の観客 2 見物人 , 傍観者 ; (事件などの )目撃者 .3 〖the S- 〗『スペクテーター』〘政治芸術そのほかの時事などを扱う英国の週刊誌〙.～ sport /-́---̀ |--́--̀ /1 観客動員力のあるスポーツ ; 観戦スポーツ .2 ｟通例おどけて｠傍観するもの, そのような対象 .

specter

spec ter ｟英｠-tre /spéktə r /名詞 C 1 こわい物 ; 不安 (材料 ).2 ｟文｠幽霊, 亡霊 (ghost ).

spectra

spec tra /spéktrə /名詞 spectrumの複数形 .

spectral

spec tral /spéktr (ə )l /形容詞｟文｠〖通例名詞の前で〗1 お化け [幽霊 ]のような .2 〘光学〙スペクトルの .～ly 副詞

spectre

spec tre /spéktə r /名詞｟英｠＝specter .

spectro-

spec tro- /spéktroʊ |-trə (ʊ )/接頭辞スペクトルの .

spectrogram

spec tro gram /spéktrəɡræ̀m /名詞 C 1 分光写真 .2 音声分析図 .

spectrograph

spec tro graph /spéktrəɡræ̀f |-ɡrɑ̀ːf /名詞 C 1 分光写真機 .2 ＝spectrogram .

spectrometer

spec trom e ter /spektrɑ́mətə r |-rɔ́m -/名詞 C 分光計 .

spectroscope

spec tro scope /spéktrəskòʊp /名詞 C 〘光学〙分光器〘光をスペクトルに分けるための光学装置〙.spec tros co py /spektrɑ́skəpi |-trɔ́s -/名詞 U 分光学 .spec tro scop ic /spèktrəskɑ́pɪk |-skɔ́p -/形容詞

spectrum

spec trum /spéktrəm /〖スペクトルの初例は1671年; Newtonによる発見は1666年〗名詞複 spectra /-trə /, ～s /-z /C 1 (意見問題気分などの )(変動 )範囲 ▸ a wide spectrum of opinions さまざまな意見 2 〘物理〙スペクトル ; 分光〘プリズムで太陽光を分解して得られる連続した7色の色帯〙▸ a radio [sound ] spectrum 電波 [音響 ]スペクトル 3 残像 .

specular

spec u lar /spékjələ r /形容詞 1 鏡の (ような ), (鏡のように )反射する .2 〘医〙検鏡の .

speculate

spec u late /spékjəlèɪt /〖原義は「熟考する」; 「投機する」の意味は1785年Thomas Jeffersonから〗動詞～s /-ts /; ～d /-ɪd /; -lating 自動詞 1 (十分な知識根拠がなく ) «…について » (あれこれと )推測する , 考えをめぐらせる (guess ), 推測でものを言う ; 熟考 [思索 ]する «on, about , as to, upon » ▸ speculate on what might happen [his motive ]何が起こるだろうと [彼の動機について ]あれこれ考える .2 «…に » 投機する , «…を » 思惑（おもわく）買い [売り ]する «in , on » .他動詞〖～ that節 /wh節〗…だと […かを ]推測する , 考える ▸ The police speculate that the fire started in the kitchen .警察ではその火災の火元は台所だとみている .

speculation

spec u la tion /spèkjəléɪʃ (ə )n /名詞 C U 1 «…についての /…という » 推測, 憶測 (guess ); 熟考, 思索 «about , on , as to , over /that 節 » ▸ fuel [prompt ] speculation about his death 彼の死をめぐる憶測を呼ぶ ▸ pure [wild, idle ] speculation まったくの推測 [当て推量 ].2 (熟考の末の )結論, 見解 .3 «…への » 投機, 思惑 «in » .

speculative

spec u la tive /spékjəlèɪtɪv |spékjʊlət -/形容詞｟主に書｠1 推測的な, 推測による ; 〈人が〉思索的な ▸ dismiss an idea as purely speculative 単なる推測と考えを一蹴（いつしゆう）する .2 (比較なし ) 投機的な, 思惑の ; (損失などの )危険を伴う (risky ).3 〈表情などが〉推察する [探る ]ような ; 〈人心が〉思索にふける .4 (実際的ではなく )理論的な .

speculator

spec u la tor /spékjəlèɪtə r /名詞 C 1 投機 [投資 ]家 ; 相場師 .2 思索家 ; 理論家 .

speculum

spec u lum /spékjələm /名詞複 specula /-lə /, ～s C 1 鏡, 反射鏡 .2 〘医〙検鏡, スペキュラ .3 〘鳥〙(カモの翼などの )目玉模様 .