1. (sometimes followed by ‘to’) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
   "a specific and detailed account of the accident"; "rules with specific application"; "demands specific to the job"
    
2. Stated explicitly or in detail
   "needed a specific amount"
    
3. Relating to, distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species
   "specific characters"
    
4. (pathology) being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides
   "a specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements"; "quinine is highly specific for malaria"; "a specific remedy"
    
5. (physics) measured by comparison to a standard reference
   "The specific heat capacity of water is 4.186 joules per gram per degree Celsius"

1. A fact about some part (as opposed to general)
   "He wanted to know the specifics of the business deal";
   - particular
    
2. A medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease
   "quinine is a specific for malaria"

Derived forms: specifics

See also: ad hoc, circumstantial, generality, limited, particular, particularised [Brit], particularized, peculiar, precise, proper, special, specialised [Brit], specialized, specified, unique

Type of: fact, med [informal], medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine

Antonym: general, nonspecific

Encyclopedia: Specific