specific (adj.)

  1. (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique; rules with specific application; demands specific to the job; a specific and detailed account of the accident'

  2. relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species; specific characters'

  3. being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides; quinine is highly specific for malaria; a specific remedy; a specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements'

    specific (n.)

  1. a fact about some part (as opposed to general); he always reasons from the particular to the general

    [ Syn: particular , particular ]

  2. a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease; quinine is a specific for malaria'

    specific (adj.)

  1. stated explicitly or in detail; needed a specific amount'

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.