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2 VERB If you specify what should happen or be done, you explain it in an exact and detailed way. □ [V n] Each recipe specifies the size of egg to be used. □ [V that] One rule specifies that learner drivers must be supervised by adults. □ [V -ed] Patients eat together at a specified time.

speci|men /spe s I m I n/ (specimens )

1 N‑COUNT A specimen is a single plant or animal which is an example of a particular species or type and is examined by scientists. □  200,000 specimens of fungus are kept at the Komarov Botanical Institute. □  …North American fossil specimens.

2 N‑COUNT A specimen of something is an example of it which gives an idea of what the whole of it is like. □ [+ of ] Job applicants have to submit a specimen of handwriting. □  …a specimen bank note.

3 N‑COUNT A specimen is a small quantity of someone's urine, blood, or other body fluid which is examined in a medical laboratory, in order to find out if they are ill or if they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. □  He refused to provide a specimen.

spe|cious /spiː ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is specious seems to exist or be true, but is not real or true. [FORMAL ] □  It is unlikely that the Duke was convinced by such specious arguments.

speck /spe k/ (specks )

1 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small stain, mark, or shape. □ [+ of ] …a speck of blood.

2 N‑COUNT A speck is a very small piece of a powdery substance. □ [+ of ] Billy leaned forward and brushed a speck of dust off his shoe.

speck|led /spe k ^ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A speckled surface is covered with small marks, spots, or shapes. □  …a large brown speckled egg. □  The sky was speckled with stars.

specs /spe ks/ → see spec

spec|ta|cle /spe ktək ^ə l/ (spectacles )

1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Glasses are sometimes referred to as spectacles . [FORMAL ] □  He looked at me over the tops of his spectacles. □  …thick spectacle frames.

2 N‑COUNT A spectacle is a strange or interesting sight. □  It was a spectacle not to be missed.

3 N‑VAR A spectacle is a grand and impressive event or performance. □  94,000 people turned up for the spectacle. □  …a director passionate about music and spectacle.

4rose-coloured spectacles → see rose-coloured

spec|tacu|lar ◆◇◇ /spektæ kjʊlə ^r / (spectaculars )

1 ADJ Something that is spectacular is very impressive or dramatic. □  …spectacular views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. □  The results have been spectacular. ●  spec|tacu|lar|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj/adv] □  My turnover increased spectacularly.

2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A spectacular is a show or performance which is very grand and impressive. □  …a television spectacular.

spec|ta|tor /spekte I tə ^r , [AM ] spe kte I tər/ (spectators ) N‑COUNT A spectator is someone who watches something, especially a sporting event. □  Thirty thousand spectators watched the final game.

spec|ta |tor sport (spectator sports ) N‑COUNT A spectator sport is a sport that is interesting and entertaining to watch. □  The most popular spectator sport is football.

spec|tra /spe ktrə/ Spectra is a plural form of spectrum .

spec|tral /spe ktrəl/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as spectral , you mean that they look like a ghost. [LITERARY ] □  She is compelling, spectral, fascinating, an unforgettably unique performer.