species

[spee-sheez, -seez]

noun

plural

species 

1. a class of individuals having some common characteristics or qualities; distinct sort or kind.

2. Biology.,  the major subdivision of a genus or subgenus, regarded as the basic category of biological classification, composed of related individuals that resemble one another, are able to breed among themselves, but are not able to breed with members of another species.

3. Logic.

   1. one of the classes of things included with other classes in a genus.

   2. the set of things within one of these classes.

4. Ecclesiastical.

   1. the external form or appearance of the bread or the wine in the Eucharist.

   2. either of the Eucharistic elements.

5. Obsolete.,  specie; coin.

6. the species, the human race; humankind.

   a study of the species.

adjective

1. Horticulture.,  pertaining to a plant that is a representative member of a species, one that is not a hybrid or variety.

   a species rose;

   a species gladiolus.

species

/ ˈspiːʃiːz, ˈspiːʃɪˌiːz /

noun

1. biology

   1. sp. any of the taxonomic groups into which a genus is divided, the members of which are capable of interbreeding: often containing subspecies, varieties, or races. A species is designated in italics by the genus name followed by the specific name, for example Felis domesticus (the domestic cat)

   2. the animals of such a group

   3. any group of related animals or plants not necessarily of this taxonomic rank

2. (modifier) denoting a plant that is a natural member of a species rather than a hybrid or cultivar

   a species clematis

3. logic a group of objects or individuals, all sharing at least one common attribute, that forms a subdivision of a genus

4. a kind, sort, or variety

   a species of treachery

5. RC Church the outward form of the bread and wine in the Eucharist

6. obsolete,  an outward appearance or form

7. obsolete,  specie

species

1. A group of organisms having many characteristics in common and ranking below a genus. Organisms that reproduce sexually and belong to the same species interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Species names are usually written lower case and in italics, as rex in Tyrannosaurus rex.

2. See Table at taxonomy

species

1. A group of closely related and interbreeding living things; the smallest standard unit of biological classification. Species can be divided into varieties, races, breeds, or subspecies. Red pines, sugar maples, cats, dogs, chimpanzees, and people are species; Siamese cats and beagles are varieties, not species. (See Linnean classification.)

The term can be used to refer to any group of related things: “This species of novel has become quite popular in recent years.”

Other Word Forms

• superspecies noun superspecies
• underspecies noun underspecies

Word History and Origins

Origin of species¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin speciēs “appearance, form, sort, kind,” equivalent to spec(ere) “to look, regard” + -iēs abstract noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of species¹

C16: from Latin: appearance, from specere to look

Idioms and Phrases

see endangered species.

Example Sentences

East Pacific green sea turtles, a species primarily found on California’s coast, are categorized as a threatened species.

From Los Angeles Times

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles has been urging the city council to extend its existing ban to include more species.

From Los Angeles Times

Scientists have identified around 400 species of free-living amoebae, but only six are known to cause disease in humans - including Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba, both of which can infect the brain.

From BBC

It has also been recorded at Market Weston Fen, Suffolk and on South Uist on Scotland's Outer Hebrides, making Anglesey one of only three places where the species exists in Britain.

From BBC

They often precede harmful algae blooms, though scientists are still trying to figure out the precise balance of factors that lead to sudden explosions in toxin-producing algae species.

From Los Angeles Times