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 Words From

• non·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun
• pre·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun
• re·spec·i·fi·ca·tion noun
• su·per·spec·i·fi·ca·tion 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

IonQ did not release detailed specifications for its new, turbocharged machine.

From Fortune

It has been updated for the 2020 election, but should only be used as a general guide, as some specifications may have changed.

From Popular-Science

Like the X1 Fold, the folding screen phones generally carry premium price tags, compromised specifications, and questions about utility.

From Fortune

Currently, a team of Clemson University researchers is designing the specifications for the modified Dallara race cars that all competitors will use, said Robert Prucka, an associate professor at Clemson’s department of automotive engineering.

From Fortune

In addition to normal bike components, like the frame and wheels, e-bike data sheets list motor specifications, a factor that can be helpful in picking between different rides.

From Outside Online

They all say the words in Mr. Watt's specification will have no weight whatever against us.

From Project Gutenberg

Eminent counsel were of opinion that "the words in Watt's specification will have no weight whatever."

From Project Gutenberg

Concerning the claim or claims with which the inventor concludes his specification many questions have arisen.

From Project Gutenberg

To distinguish the common daisy from all other species of plants would require the specification of many characters.

From Project Gutenberg

The specification is objected to as containing large portions that are merely laudatory.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blueprint
• spec
• stipulation