specimen

Definition

An individual instance that represents a class; an example.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "early specimens of the art of Picasso"
• ""You're a nice specimen for a clergyman," he said at length, "with your preachin" an" your psalm-singin', an" your Sunday coat on.""
• "To assure a defendant's acquittal, a lawyer usually needed only to convince the jury that the victim was a pretty sorry specimen of a human being."

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