< Back
specimen
Definition
A specimen is a single example of something. In science, a specimen is often a sample of an organism or object that is used for scientific study.
For example, a scientist might collect a specimen of a plant or animal to study its anatomy or behaviour. A geologist might collect a specimen of rock to study its composition or age.
Specimens can be preserved in a variety of ways, such as in alcohol, in a herbarium, or in a museum. They can also be photographed or digitally scanned.
Specimens are important for scientific research because they provide scientists with physical evidence to study. They can also be used to teach people about different organisms and objects.
How can the word be used?
The scientist collected specimens of the plants in the rainforest.
Different forms of the word
Noun: specimen (plural: specimens).
Adjective: specious.
Verb: to specimenise.
Etymology
The word "specimen" comes from the Latin word "specimin", which means "sample" or "example". It was first used in English in the 16th century to refer to a sample of something, such as a plant or an animal.
The word "specious" means "superficially attractive but lacking in substance". It comes from the same Latin root as "specimen".
The word "to specimenize" means "to collect or examine specimens". It is a relatively new word, first used in the 19th century.
Question
What is a specimen?