specificity

American  

[spes-uh-fis-i-tee] / ˌspɛs əˈfɪs ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality or state of being specific.

2. Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the selective attachment or influence of one substance on another, as an antibiotic and its target organism or an antibody and its specific antigen.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonspecificity noun

Etymology

Origin of specificity

First recorded in 1875–80; specific + -ity

Example Sentences

Though she hasn’t had a film role of this size in well over a decade, Paltrow still performs with the care and specificity of an actor who truly cares for the work.

From Salon

And the third section highlights individuals who, like locations, represent the sundry specificities of the nation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The message may be a familiar one, but in the second half of the film it emerges in pleasing specificity: A healthy relationship is kind of like an open-mic session.

From The Wall Street Journal

I had to admire the specificity of the fake, with the ChatGPT prompt and all.

From Los Angeles Times

Both are distinguished by a depth and specificity of character, tested in the crucible of grief.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• particularity
• precision