(~s)
1.
A ~ is a single plant or animal which is an example of a particular species or type and is examined by scientists.
200,000 ~s of fungus are kept at the Komarov Botanical Institute.
...North American fossil ~s...
N-COUNT: usu with supp
2.
A ~ of something is an example of it which gives an idea of what the whole of it is like.
Job applicants have to submit a ~ of handwriting.
...a ~ bank note.
N-COUNT: usu with supp
3.
A ~ is a small quantity of someone’s urine, blood, or other body fluid which is examined in a medical laboratory, in order to find out if they are ill or if they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
He refused to provide a ~...
= sample
N-COUNT