spec|i|men

spec|i|men «SPEHS uh muhn», noun, adjective.

–n.

1. one of a group or class taken to show what the others are like; single part or thing regarded as an example of its kind; sample: »

He collects specimens of all kinds of rocks and minerals. The statue is a fine specimen of Greek sculpture.

Abbr: sp. SYNONYM(S): instance.

2. Informal. a human being; person: »

The tramp was a shabby specimen.

–adj.

taken or regarded as a specimen; typical: »

a strong desire to see something more of Christendom than a specimen whaler or two (Herman Melville).

SYNONYM(S): representative.

╂[< Latin specimen, -inis < specere to view]