# specimen

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈspɛsɪmɪn/ · frequency rank #10,935

## Definitions
1. An individual instance that represents a class; an example.
2. An individual instance that represents a class; an example.
3. An individual instance that represents a class; an example.
4. An individual instance that represents a class; an example.
5. A sample, especially one used for diagnostic analysis.
6. An eligible man.

## Etymology
From Latin specimen (“mark, sign, example”), from speciō (“observe, watch”).

## Easily confused with
- **specimens** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/specimen-vs-specimens)
- **species** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/species-vs-specimen)

## Common misspellings (12)
`psecimen`, `sepcimen`, `spceimen`, `speccimen`, `speciemn`, `specimenn`, `specimmen`, `specimne`, `specmien`, `speicmen`, `sppecimen`, `sspecimen`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/specimen