Species (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun, plural spe·cies.
  1. a class of individuals having some common characteristics or qualities; distinct sort or kind.
  2. the major subdivision of a genus or subgenus, regarded as the basic category of biological classification, composed of related individuals that resemble one another, are able to breed among themselves, but are not able to breed with members of another species.
  3. Logic.
    • one of the classes of things included with other classes in a genus.
    • the set of things within one of these classes.
  4. Ecclesiastical.
    • the external form or appearance of the bread or the wine in the Eucharist.
    • either of the Eucharistic elements.
  5. specie; coin.
  6. the human race; humankind: a study of the species.
adjective
  1. pertaining to a plant that is a representative member of a species, one that is not a hybrid or variety: a species rose; a species gladiolus.
noun plural -cies
  1. biology
    • any of the taxonomic groups into which a genus is divided, the members of which are capable of interbreeding: often containing subspecies, varieties, or races. A species is designated in italics by the genus name followed by the specific name, for example Felis domesticus (the domestic cat)
    • the animals of such a group
    • any group of related animals or plants not necessarily of this taxonomic rank
  2. denoting a plant that is a natural member of a species rather than a hybrid or cultivar
  3. a group of objects or individuals, all sharing at least one common attribute, that forms a subdivision of a genus
  4. a kind, sort, or variety
  5. the outward form of the bread and wine in the Eucharist
  6. an outward appearance or form
  7. specie
    Species (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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