specific Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
    particular.
    • he always reasons from the particular to the general
  2. noun a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease
    • quinine is a specific for malaria
  3. adjective (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
    • rules with specific application
    • demands specific to the job
    • a specific and detailed account of the accident
  4. adjective satellite stated explicitly or in detail
    • needed a specific amount
  5. adjective relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species
    • specific characters
  6. adjective being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides
    • quinine is highly specific for malaria
    • a specific remedy
    • a specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements

WordNet

Spe*cif"ic adjective
Etymology
F. spécifique, or NL. cpesificus; L. species a particular sort or kind + facere to make. Cf. Specify.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or constituting a species; possessing the peculiar property or properties of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things; as, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific qualities of a drug; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.
    Specific difference is that primary attribute which distinguishes each species from one another. I. Watts.
  2. Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.
  3. (Med.) Exerting a peculiar influence over any part of the body; preventing or curing disease by a peculiar adaption, and not on general principles; as, quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
    In fact, all medicines will be found specific in the perfection of the science. Coleridge.
Spe*cif"ic noun
Definitions
  1. (Med.) A specific remedy. See Specific, a., 3.
    His parents were weak enough to believe that the royal touch was a specific for this malady. Macaulay.
  2. Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which it is applied. Dr. H. More.

Webster 1913