/ ˈspesɪmən; NAmE / noun
1.
a small amount of sth that shows what the rest of it is like
SYN sample :
Astronauts have brought back specimens of rock from the moon.
2.
a single example of sth, especially an animal or a plant :
The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.
( humorous )
They were fine specimens of British youth!
➡ note at example
3.
a small quantity of blood, urine , etc. that is taken from sb and tested by a doctor :
to provide / take a specimen
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent. (in the sense pattern, model ): from Latin , from specere to look.