specification

American  

[spes-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌspɛs ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

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.

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specification British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonspecification noun
• prespecification noun
• respecification noun
• superspecification noun

Etymology

Origin of specification

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

The French cattle breeder added she fears "mass imports of meat that do not meet France's specifications."

From Barron's

While there are shared fire testing specifications, and an industry dedicated to improving safety, there is no internationally enforced "fire code".

From BBC

New rules for 2026 see aerodynamic changes to make cars lighter and smaller along with modifications to engine specifications to make for a greater contribution from electric power in the hybrid units.

From Barron's

AMD has lined up Oracle and OpenAI as customers and has built some racks according to specifications from Meta Platforms, which could also lead the social-media company to become a future client.

From Barron's

He says the company can’t meet his specifications and production timelines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blueprint
• spec
• stipulation