Specimen
/ˈspɛsɪmən/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn individual animal, plant, piece of mineral, etc., used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display.
/ˈspɛsɪmən/
A sample or example of something, typically used for scientific study or display.
The museum had a rare specimen of a dinosaur bone.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a scientist. A 'specimen' is like a special sample, like a bug or a rock, that you can look at closely to learn more about it. If you take a tiny drop of blood for a check-up, that's also a specimen!
👶 For kids: A specimen is like a sample. Like, if you want to show a cool bug, you bring a bug specimen!
More Examples
The scientist analyzed the blood specimen in the lab.
The botanist carefully collected a specimen of the new flower.
The quality of the artwork was considered a fine specimen of that period.
How It's Used
"The biologist collected a specimen of the rare plant for analysis."
"The museum displayed a stunning specimen of a Tyrannosaurus Rex."
"The doctor requested a blood specimen for testing."
A person or thing that is an example of a particular type or class; an example of something.
/ˈspɛsɪmən/
A person or thing considered as an example of a particular type or class.
The sculpture was a fine specimen of classical art.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'specimen' can mean a good example of something. Like, if someone is really strong and healthy, you might call them a 'fine specimen' of a person! It's like they perfectly represent what something should be.
👶 For kids: It's a good example of something, like a perfect example of a person.
More Examples
That bodybuilder is a prime specimen of physical fitness.
The antique car was considered a beautiful specimen.
He was a specimen of intellectual curiosity.
How It's Used
"He was a fine specimen of a gentleman."
"She was a specimen of resilience in the face of adversity."
Synonyms
Example
Instance
Model
Prototype
Sample
Epitome
Representation
From Latin *specimen* meaning 'a sample, example', derived from *specere* meaning 'to look at, observe'.
Historically, the word 'specimen' was used both in scientific contexts and in a more general sense of an example or instance, as evidenced in 17th and 18th-century writings.
Memory tip
Think of a 'special men' to remember the word's use for special items.