2 ADV You use specifically to add something more precise or exact to what you have already said. □ …the Christian, and specifically Protestant, religion. □ …brain cells, or more specifically, neurons.
3 ADV [ADV adj] You use specifically to indicate that something has a restricted nature, as opposed to being more general in nature. □ …a specifically female audience. □ He has created a specifically British menu using only British ingredients.
4 ADV [ADV with v] If you state or describe something specifically , you state or describe it precisely and clearly. □ I specifically asked for this steak rare. SYNONYMS specifically ADV
1
particularly: Keep your office space looking good, particularly your desk.
peculiarly: Cricket is so peculiarly English.
uniquely: The problem isn't uniquely American.
2
precisely: We don't yet know precisely how many people were involved.
exactly: Exactly what are you looking for?
explicitly: The contract states explicitly that all content remains the property of the author.
speci|fi|ca|tion /spe s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (specifications ) N‑COUNT A specification is a requirement which is clearly stated, for example about the necessary features in the design of something. □ Troll's exclusive, personalized luggage is made to our own exacting specifications in heavy-duty PVC/nylon. □ Legislation will require U.K. petrol companies to meet an E.U. specification for petrol.
spe|cif|ics /sp I s I f I ks/ N‑PLURAL The specifics of a subject are the details of it that need to be considered. □ Things improved when we got down to the specifics.
speci|fy /spe s I fa I / (specifies , specifying , specified )
1 VERB If you specify something, you give information about what is required or should happen in a certain situation. □ [V n] They specified a spacious entrance hall. □ [V wh] He has not specified what action he would like them to take.
2 VERB If you specify what should happen or be done, you explain it in an exact and detailed way. □ [V n] Each recipe specifies the size of egg to be used. □ [V that] One rule specifies that learner drivers must be supervised by adults. □ [V -ed] Patients eat together at a specified time.
speci|men /spe s I m I n/ (specimens )
1 N‑COUNT A specimen is a single plant or animal which is an example of a particular species or type and is examined by scientists. □ 200,000 specimens of fungus are kept at the Komarov Botanical Institute. □ …North American fossil specimens.
2 N‑COUNT A specimen of something is an example of it which gives an idea of what the whole of it is like. □ [+ of ] Job applicants have to submit a specimen of handwriting. □ …a specimen bank note.
3 N‑COUNT A specimen 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 specimen.
spe|cious /spiː ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is specious seems to exist or be true, but is not real or true. [FORMAL ] □ It is unlikely that the Duke was convinced by such specious arguments.
speck /spe k/ (specks )
1 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small stain, mark, or shape. □ [+ of ] …a speck of blood.
2 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small piece of a powdery substance. □ [+ of ] Billy leaned forward and brushed a speck of dust off his shoe.
speck|led /spe k ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A speckled surface is covered with small marks, spots, or shapes. □ …a large brown speckled egg. □ The sky was speckled with stars.
specs /spe ks/ → see spec
spec|ta|cle /spe ktək ə l/ (spectacles )
1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Glasses are sometimes referred to as spectacles . [FORMAL ] □ He looked at me over the tops of his spectacles. □ …thick spectacle frames.
2 N‑COUNT A spectacle is a strange or interesting sight. □ It was a spectacle not to be missed.
3 N‑VAR A spectacle is a grand and impressive event or performance. □ 94,000 people turned up for the spectacle. □ …a director passionate about music and spectacle.
4 rose-coloured spectacles → see rose-coloured
spec|tacu|lar ◆◇◇ /spektæ kjʊlə r / (spectaculars )
1 ADJ Something that is spectacular is very impressive or dramatic. □ …spectacular views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. □ The results have been spectacular. ● spec|tacu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □ My turnover increased spectacularly.
2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A spectacular is a show or performance which is very grand and impressive. □ …a television spectacular.
spec|ta|tor /spekte I tə r , [AM ] spe kte I tər/ (spectators ) N‑COUNT A spectator is someone who watches something, especially a sporting event. □ Thirty thousand spectators watched the final game.
spec|ta |tor sport (spectator sports ) N‑COUNT A spectator sport is a sport that is interesting and entertaining to watch. □ The most popular spectator sport is football.
spec|tra /spe ktrə/ Spectra is a plural form of spectrum .
spec|tral /spe ktrəl/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as spectral , you mean that they look like a ghost. [LITERARY ] □ She is compelling, spectral, fascinating, an unforgettably unique performer.