specific

adjective

1. (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique

- rules with specific application

- demands specific to the job

- a specific and detailed account of the accident

Similar word(s): circumstantial, limited, special, particular, peculiar, particularised, particularized, proper, unique, precise, specialised, specialized

2. stated explicitly or in detail

- needed a specific amount

Similar word(s): specified

3. relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species

- specific characters

4. being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides

- quinine is highly specific for malaria

- a specific remedy

- a specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements

noun

1. a fact about some part (as opposed to general)

Similar word(s): particular

Definition categories: thought, fact

2. a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease

- quinine is a specific for malaria

Definition categories: man–made, medicament, medication, medicine