specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspe-sə-ˈfi-sə-tē How to pronounce specificity (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When requesting feedback, good collaborators err on the side of specificity. Shani Harmon, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 With every prediction, the rest of the panel was in awe of Chalamet’s specificity in his choices, which is slightly backhanded as Chalamet was invited to the show to make predictions on game-winners. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2024 The entire declaration lacks specificity, Velasco added. David Biller, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024 The show lacks specificity and suffers greatly for it. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for specificity 

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of specificity was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near specificity

Cite this Entry

“Specificity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specificity. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

specificity

noun
spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē How to pronounce specificity (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce specificity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on specificity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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