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.
To create this specificity, Jones pulled from his voracious and encyclopedic knowledge of music theory and music history. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 In our experience, generative AI struggles with the specificities of row crops, livestock and even images or descriptions of farmers themselves. Marcus Squier, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Too smooth, too sludgy, too lacking in specificity. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024 Users are first prompted to input their idea for a jewelry piece, which can range in specificity from a simple style like a chainlink bracelet to a more intricate piece like a zodiac pendant necklace with gemstones. Layla Ilchi, WWD, 30 Oct. 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 28 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!