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
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
But having previously said that streaming platforms did not grasp the nuance and specificity behind Mood when it was being pitched (the show was co-produced for BBC America), Lecky thinks Wild Cherry is more sellable.
—
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
Now, researchers at OHSU have developed a blood test that can identify early-stage pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity and specificity.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025
Baldoni’s team has agreed to use the court’s standard protective order, but Lively’s team wants to add greater specificity and an extra layer of confidentiality for certain information.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
The sites hawk their wares with scientific specificity: microprinting in dots per inch, card thickness in micrometers (polycarbonate stock for that stiff, authentic feel) and various types of laminates.
—Kaja Andric, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specificity
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
Now, researchers at OHSU have developed a blood test that can identify early-stage pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity and specificity.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025
Baldoni’s team has agreed to use the court’s standard protective order, but Lively’s team wants to add greater specificity and an extra layer of confidentiality for certain information.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
The sites hawk their wares with scientific specificity: microprinting in dots per inch, card thickness in micrometers (polycarbonate stock for that stiff, authentic feel) and various types of laminates.
—Kaja Andric, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specificity
Cite this Entry
“Specificity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specificity. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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