ˈspesəmə̇n sometimes -esm- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, from specere to look, look at — more at spy
1.
a. : a particular single item, part, aspect, or incident that is typical and indicative of the nature, character, or quality of others in the same class or group
a specimen of the melodramatic fiction of the era — T.S.Eliot
compared specimens of their handwriting
repeated a specimen from which the tenor of the conversation could be readily inferred
b. : a sample or unit (as of merchandise, a mineral, or a plant) that is deliberately selected for examination, display, or study and is usually chosen as typical of its kind
a specimen cabinet
specimens of a new line of textiles
as
(1) : a printed sheet showing different styles and sizes of type
(2) : a sample copy of a printed work ; specifically : a condensed sample containing enough of the typography, illustrations, maps, binding, and other features to give an adequate idea of the complete work
(3) : a postage stamp printed as a sample and bearing the word specimen
(4) : a portion of material for use in testing
a fecal specimen
wool specimens for staple testing
2.
a. : something that obviously belongs to a particular category but shows or is noticed by reason of some individual distinguishing character or peculiarity
the scavenging pigs, the dirtiest, leanest, and hungriest specimens I have met with — V.G.Heiser
b. : individual , person
turned out to be a queer specimen
specimens like these fellows that hang around the docks
Synonyms: see instance