specific specific /spɪˈsɪfɪk/

adjective

1. () (sometimes followed by 'to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique  ( specific )
   (sometimes followed by 'to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
    Rules with specific application
   rules with specific application
    Demands specific to the job
   demands specific to the job
    A specific and detailed account of the accident
   a specific and detailed account of the accident
   
2. () Stated explicitly or in detail  ( specific )
   stated explicitly or in detail
    Needed a specific amount
   needed a specific amount
   
3. (pathology) being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides  ( specific )
   (pathology) being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides
    Quinine is highly specific for malaria
   quinine is highly specific for malaria
    A specific remedy
   a specific remedy
    A specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements
   a specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements
   
4. Relating to, distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species  ( specific )
   relating to, distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species
    Specific characters
   specific characters
   

noun

1. A medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease  ( specific )
   a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease
    Quinine is a specific for malaria
   quinine is a specific for malaria
   
2. A fact about some part (as opposed to general)  ( specific , particular )
   a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
    He always reasons from the particular to the general
   he always reasons from the particular to the general