spe·cies
(spḗshēz, -sēz)
[Middle English, logical classification, from Latin speciēs, a seeing, kind, form.]
noun: pl., species.
- Biology
- A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus and consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding.
- An organism belonging to such a category, represented in binomial nomenclature by an uncapitalized Latin adjective or noun following a capitalized genus name, as in Ananas comosus, the pineapple, and Equus caballus, the horse.
- Logic A class of individuals or objects grouped by virtue of their common attributes and assigned a common name; a division subordinate to a genus.
- A kind, variety, or type: “No species of performing artist is as self-critical as a dancer” (Susan Sontag)
- The human race; humankind.
- Roman Catholic Church
- The outward appearance or form of the Eucharistic elements that is retained after their consecration.
- Either of the consecrated elements of the Eucharist.
- Obsolete
- An outward form or appearance.
- Specie.
spe·cie
(spḗshē, -sē)
[From (in) specie, (in) the actual form, from Latin (in) speciē, (in) kind ablative of speciēs; see species.]
noun
- Coined money; coin.
idioms
- in specie
- In coin. In a similar manner; in kind: repaid the offense in specie.Law In the same kind or shape; as specified.
