definitions

specific

[ spi-sif-ik ]
/ spɪˈsɪf ɪk /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR specific ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

noun

something specific, as a statement, quality, detail, etc.
Medicine/Medical. a specific remedy: There is no specific for the common cold.

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RELATED WORDS

undetermined, infinite, unlimited, undefined, ambiguous, unclear, fuzzy, tricky, volatile, fleeting, puzzling, illusory, slippery, subtle, incomprehensible, loose, broad, confused, doubtful, dubious

Nearby words

species-specific, species-specific antigen, speciesism, specif., specifiable, specific, specific action, specific activity, specific charge, specific conductance, specific dynamic action

Origin of specific

1625–35; < Medieval Latin specificus, equivalent to Latin speci(ēs) species + -ficus -fic

Related forms

Synonym study

1. See special.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for unspecific

British Dictionary definitions for unspecific (1 of 2)

unspecific

/ (ˌʌnspɪˈsɪfɪk) /

adjective

not explicit, particular, or definite

British Dictionary definitions for unspecific (2 of 2)

specific

/ (spɪˈsɪfɪk) /

adjective

noun

(sometimes plural) a designated quality, thing, etc
med any drug used to treat a particular disease

Derived Forms

specifically, adverbspecificity (ˌspɛsɪˈfɪsɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for specific

C17: from Medieval Latin specificus, from Latin species
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

Medicine definitions for unspecific

specific

[ spĭ-sĭf′ĭk ]

adj.

Relating to, characterizing, or distinguishing a species.
Intended for, applying to, or acting on a specified thing.
Designating a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition.
Having a remedial influence or effect on a particular disease.
In immunology, having an affinity limited to a particular antibody or antigen.

n.

A remedy intended for a particular ailment or disorder.

Related forms

spe•cif′i•cal•ly adv.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.