specific

specific
1. Relating to a species. SEE ALSO: s. epithet. 2. Relating to an individual infectious disease, one caused by a special microorganism. 3. A remedy having a definite therapeutic action in relation to a particular disease or symptom, as quinine in relation to malaria. [L. specificus fr. species + facio, to make]

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spe·cif·ic spi-'sif-ik adj
1 a) restricted by nature to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect <a disease \specific to horses>
b) exerting a distinctive influence (as on a body part or a disease) <\specific antibodies>
2) of, relating to, or constituting a species and esp. a biological species
specific n a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease

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1. n. a medicine that has properties especially useful for the treatment of a particular disease.
2. adj. (of a disease) caused by a particular microorganism that causes no other disease.
3. adj. of or relating to a species.

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spe·cif·ic (spə-sifґik) [L. specificus] pertaining to a 1. species. 2. produced by a single kind of microorganism. 3. restricted in application, effect, etc., to a particular structure, function, etc. 4. a remedy specially indicated for a particular disease. in 5. immunology, pertaining to the special affinity of antigen for the corresponding antibody.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • specific — spe*cif ic (sp[ e]*s[i^]f [i^]k), a. [F. sp[ e]cifique, or NL. spesificus; L. species a particular sort or kind + facere to make. Cf. {specify}.] 1. Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or constituting a species; possessing the peculiar… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • specific — spe·cif·ic /spə si fik/ adj 1: relating to a particular thing 2: intended for or restricted to a particular end or object 3: being of a particularly identified kind or nature spe·cif·i·cal·ly / i klē, kə lē/ adv spec·i·fic·i·ty …   Law dictionary

  • Specific — can mean: * ParticularIn science, specific can denote that a measurement is expressed per unit mass (or weight): * Specific heat capacity * Specific energy * Specific impulseor is relative to a standard value: * Specific refractive index… …   Wikipedia

  • specific — [spə sif′ik] adj. [LL specificus < L species (see SPECIES) + ficus, FIC] 1. limiting or limited; specifying or specified; precise; definite; explicit [no specific plans] 2. of or constituting a species 3. peculiar to or characteristic of… …   English World dictionary

  • Specific — Spe*cif ic, n. 1. (Med.) A specific remedy. See {Specific}, a., 3. [1913 Webster] His parents were weak enough to believe that the royal touch was a specific for this malady. Macaulay. [1913 Webster] 2. Anything having peculiar adaption to the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • -specific — [spə sif′ik] combining form limited or specific to, characteristic of (a specified thing or person) [species specific] * * * …   Universalium

  • specific — UK US /spəˈsɪfɪk/ adjective ► relating to one particular thing and not others: »A specific provision in the agreement stated that research materials should not be used for commercial purposes. ► clear and exact: »He wouldn t give a specific… …   Financial and business terms

  • -specific — [spə sif′ik] combining form limited or specific to, characteristic of (a specified thing or person) [species specific] …   English World dictionary

  • specific — adj 1 *special, especial, particular, individual Antonyms: generic 2 definite, *explicit, express, categorical Analogous words: designating, naming (see DESIGNATE): *clear, lucid, perspicuous: precise, exact (see CORRECT …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • specific — ► ADJECTIVE 1) clearly defined or identified. 2) precise and clear. 3) (specific to) belonging or relating uniquely to. 4) relating to species or a species. ► NOUN (specifics) ▪ precise details …   English terms dictionary

  • specific — (adj.) 1630s, having a special quality, from Fr. spécifique, from L.L. specificus constituting a species, from L. species kind, sort (see SPECIES (Cf. species)). Earlier form was specifical (early 15c.). Meaning definite, precise first recorded… …   Etymology dictionary

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