specimen
/ˈspesɪmən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspesɪmən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈspe-sə-mən ˈspes-mən/ (ame, mw) · /ˈspes.ə.mɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspes.ə.mɪn/ (ame, ipa)
specimen — noun
- specimensingular
- specimensplural
1. A single thing, such as an animal, plant, or object, that shows the typical qual
A single thing, such as an animal, plant, or object, that shows the typical qualities of the larger group it belongs to.
The museum collection includes a fine specimen of a blue whale skeleton.
collocation: fine specimen of + [type]
Folake described the butterfly as a perfect specimen of its species.
This fossil is an unusually well-preserved specimen from the Jurassic period.
Among the stamp collection, one early Japanese specimen stood out for its vivid colour.
- example
wider use — covers actions, ideas, and abstract things, not just physical objects
- sample
focuses on a portion taken from a larger quantity for testing or examination
- instance
a specific occurrence or case, often for abstract categories
- illustration
something that makes a point clear, often used in explanations
文法句型
specimen + of [group]
用法筆記
Countable noun. Often paired with evaluative adjectives such as fine, perfect, rare, or unusual.
常見錯誤
2. Body fluid or tissue taken from a patient or an animal for the purpose of labora
Body fluid or tissue taken from a patient or an animal for the purpose of laboratory testing.
The nurse collected a urine specimen from the patient for routine testing.
collocation: collect a specimen + for + [purpose]
Mayumi handed her blood specimen to the technician at the lab counter.
Lab staff must label each tissue specimen clearly to avoid any mix-ups.
Cold storage keeps a urine specimen fresh until it reaches the lab.
文法句型
collect + a + specimen + of + [fluid/tissue]
specimen + for + [test]
用法筆記
Countable noun. Common in medical and clinical contexts. Frequently paired with verbs such as collect, take, test, or examine.
常見錯誤
specimen — adjective
- specimenpositive
- more specimencomparative
- most specimensuperlative
1. Used before a noun to show that the thing it describes is a typical case of its
Used before a noun to show that the thing it describes is a typical case of its kind.
The publisher sent a specimen copy of the new textbook to every school.
attributive pattern: specimen + copy / page / signature
New employees must sign a specimen signature card for company records.
A specimen chapter from the novel was released early to attract readers.
Élise studied a specimen test paper to understand the exam format.
文法句型
specimen + [noun]
用法筆記
Attributive only — it goes before a noun (a specimen page) and cannot follow a linking verb (❌ 'The page is specimen').
常見錯誤
2. Designed or used for holding materials collected for scientific or medical testi
Designed or used for holding materials collected for scientific or medical testing — always before a noun naming the container.
The lab assistant placed the tissue into a clean specimen jar with a tight lid.
attributive pattern: specimen + jar / tube / bottle / bag
Blood samples are collected in small specimen tubes at the clinic.
Each specimen bottle must show the patient's name and the date clearly.
The field biologist packed several specimen bags before heading into the forest.
文法句型
specimen + [container noun]
用法筆記
Attributive only. The noun that follows names the type of container (jar, tube, bottle, bag). Cannot be used predicatively.
3. Referring to a single tree or plant grown on its own as a garden's main visual f
Referring to a single tree or plant grown on its own as a garden's main visual feature, rather than as part of a hedge or border.
A tall specimen oak stands at the centre of the botanical garden.
attributive pattern: specimen + plant / tree / shrub
Hiro planted a specimen maple in the corner of his garden as a focal point.
The arboretum has a collection of rare specimen trees from East Asia.
A well-chosen specimen shrub can completely transform a small garden space.
- ornamental
broader — any plant grown for decoration rather than practical use
- feature
can describe a plant that serves as the main visual element (a feature tree)
文法句型
specimen + [plant/tree/shrub]
用法筆記
Attributive only. Used mainly in gardening and horticulture, especially in British English. Refers to a plant grown for its individual beauty rather than as part of a larger planting scheme.