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specific (adj.)
1630s, "having a special quality," from French spécifique and directly from Late Latin specificus "constituting a kind or sort" (in Medieval Latin "specific, particular"), from Latin species "kind, sort" (see species) + -ficus "making, doing," from combining form of facere "to make." Earlier form was specifical (early 15c.). Meaning "definite, precise" first recorded 1740. Related: Specifically; specificness.
specific (n.)
"a specific quality or detail," 1690s, from specific (adj.).
updated on September 22, 2018
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Definitions of specific from WordNet
Dictionary entries near specific
specialty
speciation
specie
species
speciesism
specific
specification
specificity
specify
specimen
specious