Specimen Meaning
/ˈspɛsɪmɪn/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn individual instance that represents a class; an example.
nounAn individual instance that represents a class; an example., A banknote printed for distribution to central banks to aid in the recognition of banknotes from a country other than their own
Sentence Examples
This is a very rare specimen.
A good specimen might weigh up to a kilo.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist collected a ____ of the rare butterfly for detailed study.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The geologist carefully labeled each rock ____ before bringing them back to the lab for testing.
Word Origin & History
From Latin specimen (“mark, sign, example”), from speciō (“observe, watch”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""You're a nice specimen for a clergyman," he said at length, "with your preachin" an" your psalm-singin', an" your Sunday coat on.""
— 1913, Norman Lindsay, A Curate in Bohemia, Sydney: N.S.W. Bookstall Co., published 1932, page 34:
"To assure a defendant's acquittal, a lawyer usually needed only to convince the jury that the victim was a pretty sorry specimen of a human being."
— 2006, Bill Neal, Getting Away with Murder on the Texas Frontier:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist collected a ____ of the rare butterfly for detailed study.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The geologist carefully labeled each rock ____ before bringing them back to the lab for testing.