Date: 1600-1700
Language: Latin
Origin: specere 'to look (at)'


spe‧ci‧men [countable]
1HBMH a small amount or piece that is taken from something, so that it can be tested or examined:
a blood specimen
specimen of
a specimen of rock
2 a single example of something, often an animal or plant
specimen of
a very fine specimen of 12th century glass
3 a person you are describing in a particular way - used humorously:
Her boyfriend is an impressive physical specimen.

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