(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'
relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species; specific characters'
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 (adj.)
a fact about some part (as opposed to general); he always reasons from the particular to the general
[ Syn: particular , particular ]
a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease; quinine is a specific for malaria'
specific (n.)
stated explicitly or in detail; needed a specific amount'