specimen Definition
- 1an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc. used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display
- 2a sample for medical testing or analysis
Using specimen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "specimen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The museum has a large collection of insect specimens.
Example
The doctor asked for a urine specimen for testing.
Example
The geologist collected several rock specimens from the site.
specimen Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with specimen
Example
The type specimen for the species was collected in 1920.
the process of collecting and preparing samples for scientific study or medical testing
Example
The lab technician is responsible for specimen collection and analysis.
the preparation of a specimen for scientific study or medical testing, including labeling, preservation, and analysis
Example
The lab has strict protocols for specimen processing to ensure accurate results.
Origins of specimen
from Latin 'specere', meaning 'to look at'
Summary: specimen in Brief
The term 'specimen' [ˈspesəmən] refers to an individual animal, plant, mineral, or other object used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display. It can also refer to a sample collected for medical testing or analysis. Examples include insect specimens in a museum, or a urine specimen for testing. 'Specimen' extends into phrases like 'type specimen,' referring to the original specimen used to describe and name a new species.