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 Word Forms

• nonspecification noun
• prespecification noun
• respecification noun
• superspecification 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

Additionally, obsessives can view Quint’s harpoon gun and original design specifications for the mechanical sharks built to terrorize Martha’s Vineyard in 1974.

From Los Angeles Times

Though human animators will draw out the characters to certain specifications, OpenAI’s tools will be used to interpret those as storyboards and frames.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond the individual car set-up - suspension settings, level of downforce and so forth - fundamentally, both cars are in the same specification.

From BBC

The Type 26 frigates purchased by the Royal Norwegian Navy will be as similar as possible to those used by their British counterparts, and have the same technical specifications.

From BBC

When buildings designed to those specifications go over their rated capacity, there is not enough room to house additional detainees safely and comfortably.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blueprint 
• spec 
• stipulation