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

On Monday, OpenAI introduced a new shopping research tool to its platform aimed at making it easier to compare products, specifications, and prices.

Read more on Barron's

On Monday, OpenAI introduced a new shopping research tool to its platform aimed at making it easier to compare products, specifications, and prices.

Read more on Barron's

But the government kept tinkering with the design to meet ever-changing specifications, which set back the construction schedule and added costs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The job specification describes the role as one of "the most important, high-profile public posts in the UK".

Read more on Barron's

Everything captured then goes to the character art team, which will tweak it to their specifications and put it in the game.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blueprint 
• spec 
• stipulation