ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|āshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: speci- + -ation
: formation of biological species or the processes leading to this end whether constituting gradual divergence from related groups (as by an extension of raciation) or occurring abruptly by combination or transformation of genomes (as in the formation of polyploid species) — compare macroevolution , saltation
• spe·ci·a·tion·al | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|āshən ə l, -shnəl adjective