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

The medical examiner detailed the events slowly and with painstaking specificity. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

There was just no rush whatsoever in trying to create and find the truth within the specificities of movement. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Apr. 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