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Definition of specimen noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

     

    specimen

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈspɛsəmən//
     
     
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  1. 1a small amount of something that shows what the rest of it is like synonym sample Astronauts have brought back specimens of rock from the moon. Can you give me a specimen of your handwriting? Topic CollocationsScientific Researchtheory
    • formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
    • build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
    • develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework/an algorithm
    • advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
    • explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
    • make a prediction/an inference
    • base a prediction/your calculations on something
    • investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
    experiment
    • design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
    • do research/an experiment/an analysis
    • make observations/calculations
    • take/record measurements
    • carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
    • run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
    • repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
    • replicate a study/the results/the findings
    • observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behavior
    • fund/support the research/project/study
    • seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
    results
    • collect/gather/extract data/information
    • yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
    • analyze/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
    • consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
    • fit the data/model
    • confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
    • prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
    • draw/make/reach the same conclusions
    • read/review the records/literature
    • describe/report an experiment/a study
    • present/publish/summarize the results/findings
    • present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal
  2. 2a single example of something, especially an animal or a plant The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish. Redwood trees can live for a long time; one specimen is 4,000 years old. (humorous) They were fine specimens of American youth! Thesaurusexample
    • case
    • instance
    • specimen
    • illustration
    These are all words for a thing or situation that is typical of a particular group or set, and is sometimes used to support an argument.
    • example something such as an object, a fact, or a situation that shows, explains, or supports what you say; a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set:Can you give me an example of what you mean?
    • case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing:In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
    • instance (somewhat formal) a particular situation or a situation of a particular type:The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.
    • specimen an example of something, especially an animal or a plant:The aquarium has some interesting specimens of tropical fish.
    • illustration (somewhat formal) a story, an event, or an example that clearly shows the truth about something:The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make.
    example or illustration?
    • An illustration is often used to show that something is true. An example is used to help to explain something.
    Patterns
    • a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of something
    • in a particular case/instance
    • for example/instance
  3. 3a small quantity of blood, urine, etc. that is taken from someone and tested by a doctor to provide/take a specimen
See specimen in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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