species

[ spee-sheez, -seez ]

noun

, plural spe·cies.

1. a class of individuals having some common characteristics or qualities; distinct sort or kind.
2. Biology. the major subdivision of a genus or subgenus, regarded as the basic category of biological classification, composed of related individuals that resemble one another, are able to breed among themselves, but are not able to breed with members of another species.
3. Logic.
   1. one of the classes of things included with other classes in a genus.
   2. the set of things within one of these classes.
4. Ecclesiastical.
   1. the external form or appearance of the bread or the wine in the Eucharist.
   2. either of the Eucharistic elements.
5. Obsolete. specie; coin.
6. the species, the human race; humankind:

   a study of the species.

adjective

1. Horticulture. pertaining to a plant that is a representative member of a species, one that is not a hybrid or variety:

   a species rose;

   a species gladiolus.

species

/ ˈspiːʃiːz; ˈspiːʃɪˌiːz /

noun

1. biology
   1. any of the taxonomic groups into which a genus is divided, the members of which are capable of interbreeding: often containing subspecies, varieties, or races. A species is designated in italics by the genus name followed by the specific name, for example Felis domesticus (the domestic cat) sp
   2. the animals of such a group
   3. any group of related animals or plants not necessarily of this taxonomic rank
2. modifier denoting a plant that is a natural member of a species rather than a hybrid or cultivar

   a species clematis

3. logic a group of objects or individuals, all sharing at least one common attribute, that forms a subdivision of a genus
4. a kind, sort, or variety

   a species of treachery

5. RC Church the outward form of the bread and wine in the Eucharist
6. obsolete.
   an outward appearance or form
7. obsolete.
   specie

species

/ spē′shēz,spē′sēz /

1. A group of organisms having many characteristics in common and ranking below a genus. Organisms that reproduce sexually and belong to the same species interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Species names are usually written lower case and in italics, as rex in Tyrannosaurus rex.
2. See Table at taxonomy

species

1. A group of closely related and interbreeding living things; the smallest standard unit of biological classification. Species can be divided into varieties, races, breeds, or subspecies. Red pines, sugar maples, cats, dogs, chimpanzees, and people are species; Siamese cats and beagles are varieties, not species. ( See Linnean classification .)

Notes

The term can be used to refer to any group of related things: “This species of novel has become quite popular in recent years.”

Other Words From

• super·species noun plural superspecies
• under·species noun plural underspecies

Word History and Origins

Origin of species¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin speciēs “appearance, form, sort, kind,” equivalent to spec(ere) “to look, regard” + -iēs abstract noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of species¹

C16: from Latin: appearance, from specere to look

Idioms and Phrases

see endangered species .

Example Sentences

This complicates management of this species, as the same person who recognizes the commercial and ecological importance of sima may view the pestrushka as a common species that can be exploited.

From Popular-Science

They came up with a measure for hurricane activity experienced by each species based on how many times it was hit by these severe storms.

From Science News For Students

For a species that went extinct, you’d expect a sort of decline at some point, and we don’t see that.

From Popular-Science

It is an unparalleled way for a species to enhance their evolutionary experimentation—their search engine—by using functional gene variants, just re-mixed into different genomes.

From Nautilus

Further, changing the genetic makeup of a species also has ethical consequences that would need to be weighed by those who might be affected, from farmers to conservationists.

From Science News

So, why would a species like the banded mongoose favor breeding between relatives?

From The Daily Beast

In Greek mythology, the species became associated with numerous gods.

From The Daily Beast

Mistletoes infections can kill individual trees and stands of trees, and most mistletoe species attack specific tree species.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, most of the suffering species ate insects on the forest floor.

From The Daily Beast

Mistletoes on mesquite trees in central Mexico have been linked to a greater abundance of tropical bird species.

From The Daily Beast

Fourteen genera, representing about 19 species, of Mallophaga are reported for 20 different species of bird hosts.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a feature by means of which it is always possible to distinguish the Great Horsetail from any other species.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of my observations are in keeping with Skutch's detailed report of the species in Central America.

From Project Gutenberg

Where the outside conditions are not very favourable, practically all the British species may be grown with ease under glass.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever the species, it is well to imitate the natural conditions as much as possible in the way of soil.

From Project Gutenberg