WordGarden.iospecimen
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈɛsɪmən/
US
- /ˈspɛsəmən/
Meanings
Noun
a sample of blood, tissue, urine, or other material taken for testing
an individual example of a plant, animal, object, or substance used to represent a type
(informal)a person viewed as a particular kind of example, often an odd or impressive one
Beyond the definition
A specimen is not just any object. It is a sample chosen for study, testing, or display. Think of a butterfly pinned in a collection, a rock a geologist examines, or a handwriting sample used to check identity. It is something selected to show what a larger group is like. A detective might collect hair as a specimen for lab work, and a doctor may take a blood specimen for testing.
The word comes from the Latin specere, meaning "to look," so a specimen is something you look at closely, whether under a microscope or in a display case. In a more descriptive sense, people also say "a fine specimen" for someone or something that stands out as a strong or impressive example of its kind.
The word "specimen" refers to a representative example of a larger group, collected or preserved for study, display, or analysis. It's more than just a random item; it is chosen specifically because it embodies the essential characteristics of its kind.
In scientific fields such as biology, geology, and medicine, specimens are crucial. A biologist might collect plant specimens to document biodiversity in a rainforest, while a geologist studies rock specimens to understand Earth's history. In a clinical setting, a doctor takes tissue or fluid specimens, such as blood or urine, to diagnose illness. These are not random samples; they are carefully collected and documented for the information they provide.
But "specimen" is not limited to scientific contexts. It can also refer to a sample used to show quality, craftsmanship, or style. A printer might show a specimen page to display a typeface, or a maker might present one piece as a specimen of their work.
Historically, the word often suggested rarity or value, something carefully preserved because it was special or useful. That feeling still appears sometimes today, but the main idea is still the same: a specimen helps us understand a larger whole by letting us study one clear, representative part.
Examples
- 1
Medical testing
The nurse took a blood specimen for testing.
- 2
Lab handling
Please label each specimen before you send the box to the lab.
- 3
Museum collection
The museum has a preserved specimen of a deep-sea fish.
- Patternspecimen of + animal/plant/substance
an example of that kind
- 4
Signature sample
The form asks for a specimen signature at the bottom.
- Phrasespecimen signature
an example of your usual signature
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Informal description
He may be talented, but he’s a strange specimen.
- Cautiona strange specimen
an unusual or odd person; informal and can sound unkind
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- biological specimen
- blood specimen
- type specimen
- specimen jar
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- specimennoun
Forms
- specimenspluralnoun