- specific
- 1630s, "having a special quality," from Fr. spécifique, from L.L. specificus "constituting a species," from L. species "kind, sort" (see species). Earlier form was specifical (early 15c.). Meaning "definite, precise" first recorded 1740.
- specific
- c.1300, from O.Fr. specifier (13c.), from L.L. specificare "mention particularly," from specifus (see specific).