Definition of specific
- a. - Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or
constituting a species; possessing the peculiar property or properties
of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other
things; as, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific
qualities of a drug; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.
- a. - Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited;
precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.
- a. - Exerting a peculiar influence over any part of the body;
preventing or curing disease by a peculiar adaption, and not on general
principles; as, quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
- n. - A specific remedy. See Specific, a., 3.
- a. - Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which
it is applied.