The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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specimen

noun

/ˈspɛsɪmɪn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of specimen

A sample or example of something, typically used for scientific study or analysis.
"The scientist examined the specimen under the microscope."

Detailed meaning of specimen

A specimen can be anything from a plant, animal, rock, or other object that is collected and analyzed for research or study. The purpose of collecting specimens is to gain a better understanding of their characteristics, properties, and behavior, and to identify any unique features or qualities they may possess. In scientific research, specimens are often collected in a systematic and standardized way, and are carefully labeled and cataloged to ensure that they can be easily identified and studied over time. Specimens can be used for a variety of purposes, including identifying new species, studying the effects of environmental changes, and developing new treatments or technologies. They are a crucial component of many scientific disciplines, including biology, geology, and medicine, and are often the basis for new discoveries and innovations.

Example sentences containing specimen

1. The scientist collected a specimen of the rare flower for research.
2. The museum displayed a beautifully preserved dinosaur specimen.
3. The lab technician prepared a blood specimen for testing.
4. The entomologist studied the insect specimen under a microscope.
5. The geologist examined a rock specimen to determine its composition.
6. The herbarium held a vast collection of plant specimens.

History and etymology of specimen

The noun 'specimen' originates from Latin, particularly from the word 'specere,' which means 'to look at' or 'to observe.' In Latin, 'specimen' was used to refer to a sample or example of something that was worth looking at or examining. The term gradually evolved in meaning, and in modern English, 'specimen' is used to describe a sample or representative example of a particular object, substance, or organism, often used for scientific study or analysis. The etymology of 'specimen' emphasizes the act of observation and examination, highlighting the role of these representative samples in providing insights and knowledge, particularly in the field of science.

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Further usage examples of specimen

1. The paleontologist uncovered a fossilized fish specimen.
2. The art gallery featured a rare specimen of Renaissance painting.
3. The ornithologist identified a unique bird specimen in the forest.
4. The botanist added a new plant specimen to the botanical garden.
5. The gemologist analyzed a precious stone specimen for authenticity.
6. The archaeologist carefully excavated a ceramic artifact specimen.
7. The chef presented a delectable dessert specimen at the competition.
8. The doctor sent a urine specimen to the laboratory for analysis.
9. The marine biologist discovered a remarkable sea creature specimen.
10. The mineralogist cataloged a mineral specimen in the collection.
11. The zoo housed a diverse array of animal specimens.
12. The photographer captured a stunning landscape specimen.
13. The entomologist identified the rare beetle specimen.
14. The laboratory technician labeled the tissue specimen for diagnosis.
15. The museum had a large collection of rare specimens on display.
16. The police took a DNA sample from the specimen found at the crime scene.
17. The doctor sent the specimen to the lab for testing.
18. The butterfly was a beautiful specimen with vibrant colors.
19. The geologist collected a specimen of the rock formation for further study.
20. The archaeologist carefully excavated the ancient specimen from the ground.
21. The zookeeper observed the behavior of the specimen to determine its health.
22. The botanist classified the plant specimen based on its characteristics.
23. The entomologist identified the specimen as a new species of beetle.
24. The art museum acquired a rare specimen of a painting by a famous artist.
25. The birdwatcher spotted a unique specimen of a bird that is rarely seen in the area.