specific meaning and definition

SPECIFIC noun

Definition of specific (noun)

1. a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
   • "he always reasons from the particular to the general"
   • synonyms: particular
   • antonym: general
2. a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease
   • "quinine is a specific for malaria"

SPECIFIC adjective

Definition of 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"
   • antonym: general
2. stated explicitly or in detail
   • "needed a specific amount"
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"
   • antonym: nonspecific