species

[ spee-sheez, -seez ]

/ ˈspi ʃiz, -siz /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for species on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural spe·cies.

a class of individuals having some common characteristics or qualities; distinct sort or kind.

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.

Logic.

one of the classes of things included with other classes in a genus.
the set of things within one of these classes.

Ecclesiastical.

the external form or appearance of the bread or the wine in the Eucharist.
either of the Eucharistic elements.

Obsolete. specie; coin.

the species, the human race; humankind: a study of the species.

adjective

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of species

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

OTHER WORDS FROM species

su·per·spe·cies, noun, plural su·per·spe·cies.un·der·spe·cies, noun, plural un·der·spe·cies.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH species

1. species , specious2. genus, species

Words nearby species

specialty, speciate, speciation, specie, specie point, species, speciesism, species-specific, specif., specifiable, specific

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use species in a sentence

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.
The quest to snare—and save—the world’s largest owl|Jonathan Slaght|August 28, 2020|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.
Analyze This: Hurricanes may help lizards evolve better grips|Carolyn Wilke|August 26, 2020|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.
Climate change probably contributed to the woolly rhino’s rapid demise|Sara Kiley Watson|August 25, 2020|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.
How Life Could Continue to Evolve - Issue 88: Love & Sex|Caleb Scharf|August 12, 2020|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.
A single molecule may entice normally solitary locusts to form massive swarms|Jonathan Lambert|August 12, 2020|Science News
So, why would a species like the banded mongoose favor breeding between relatives?
Mongooses, Meerkats, and Ants, Oh My! Why Some Animals Keep Mating All in the Family|Helen Thompson|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Greek mythology, the species became associated with numerous gods.
The History of the Chicken: How This Humble Bird Saved Humanity|William O’Connor|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mistletoes infections can kill individual trees and stands of trees, and most mistletoe species attack specific tree species.
Mistletoe is the Vampire of Plants|Helen Thompson|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead, most of the suffering species ate insects on the forest floor.
Mistletoe is the Vampire of Plants|Helen Thompson|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mistletoes on mesquite trees in central Mexico have been linked to a greater abundance of tropical bird species.
Mistletoe is the Vampire of Plants|Helen Thompson|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Fourteen genera, representing about 19 species, of Mallophaga are reported for 20 different species of bird hosts.
Summer Birds From the Yucatan Peninsula|Erwin E. Klaas
This is a feature by means of which it is always possible to distinguish the Great Horsetail from any other species.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
Most of my observations are in keeping with Skutch's detailed report of the species in Central America.
Summer Birds From the Yucatan Peninsula|Erwin E. Klaas
Where the outside conditions are not very favourable, practically all the British species may be grown with ease under glass.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
Whatever the species, it is well to imitate the natural conditions as much as possible in the way of soil.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin

British Dictionary definitions for species

species

/ (ˈspiːʃiːz, Latin ˈspiːʃɪˌiːz) /

noun plural -cies

biology

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)Abbreviation: sp
the animals of such a group
any group of related animals or plants not necessarily of this taxonomic rank

(modifier) denoting a plant that is a natural member of a species rather than a hybrid or cultivara species clematis

logic a group of objects or individuals, all sharing at least one common attribute, that forms a subdivision of a genus

a kind, sort, or varietya species of treachery

mainly RC Church the outward form of the bread and wine in the Eucharist

obsolete an outward appearance or form

obsolete specie

Word Origin for species

C16: from Latin: appearance, from specere to look

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for species

species

[ spē′shēz, spē′sēz ]

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. See Table at taxonomy.

Cultural definitions for species

species

[ (spee-sheez, spee-seez) ]

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 for species

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 Idioms and Phrases with species

species

see endangered species.

species

Origin of species

OTHER WORDS FROM species

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH species

Words nearby species

Words related to species

How to use species in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for species

Word Origin for species

Scientific definitions for species

Cultural definitions for species

notes for species

Other Idioms and Phrases with species