specimen — an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc., used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc., used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈspesəmən/
Example Sentences
- The doctor asked for a blood specimen, but I fainted at the sight of the needle - I'm clearly not specimen material myself!
- The botanical garden has an impressive collection of plant specimens from around the world.
- My roommate is a perfect specimen of someone who never does the dishes.
specimen
NOUN[/ˈspesəmən/]
an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc., used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display
The biologist labels a rare beetle specimen pinned inside a glass display case.
The specimen reveals secrets through the mechanism!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'specimen' meaning 'a mark, sign, or example,' derived from 'specere' meaning 'to look at or observe.' The word entered English in the 16th century through scientific and academic usage.
Breakdown
spec- (look, observe) + -imen (suffix indicating result or product) = specimen (something to look at or observe)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The doctor asked for a blood specimen, but I fainted at the sight of the needle - I'm clearly not specimen material myself!”
“The botanical garden has an impressive collection of plant specimens from around the world.”
“My roommate is a perfect specimen of someone who never does the dishes.”
“The laboratory requires fresh specimens for accurate test results.”
“He's such a fine specimen of humanity that mosquitoes line up for appointments to bite him.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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