specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspe-sə-ˈfi-sə-tē 

: the quality or condition of being specific: such as

a

: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms

host specificity of a parasite

b

: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions

the specificity of an enzyme

Synonyms

• explicitness
• particularity

Examples of specificity in a Sentence

I was impressed by the specificity of her instructions.

the specificity of your description of your medical condition was a bit more than I needed

Recent Examples on the Web

To create this specificity, Jones pulled from his voracious and encyclopedic knowledge of music theory and music history. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

In our experience, generative AI struggles with the specificities of row crops, livestock and even images or descriptions of farmers themselves. —Marcus Squier, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Too smooth, too sludgy, too lacking in specificity. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024

Users are first prompted to input their idea for a jewelry piece, which can range in specificity from a simple style like a chainlink bracelet to a more intricate piece like a zodiac pendant necklace with gemstones. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē 

: the quality or condition of being specific

especially : the condition of taking part in or of acting as a catalyst in only one or a few chemical reactions

the specificity of an enzyme

Medical Definition

specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē 

plural specificities

: the quality or condition of being specific: as

a

: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms

host specificity of a parasite

b

: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions

the specificity of an enzyme