species
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a group of animals or plants that are similar and can breed with each other.
the basic unit of biological classification, consisting of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Simple“Scientists have discovered a new species of colorful frog in the rainforest.”
In context“The conservation project aims to protect endangered species whose habitats are being threatened by rapid urban expansion and climate change.”
UsageThe word is both singular and plural: 'one species' and 'two species'.
PitfallThere are many specie of birds in the forest. There are many species of birds in the forest.The word 'species' is the same in both singular and plural forms. Never use 'specie' to mean one type of animal.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a specific type or sort of something.
a class of individuals or objects grouped by common attributes; a distinct kind or sort.
Simple“This species of behavior is quite common among teenagers.”
In context“The professor argued that this specific species of political rhetoric had not been seen since the late nineteenth century.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a specific type of atom, molecule, or ion.
a chemically distinct atom, molecule, ion, or radical participating in a process or measurement.
Simple“The experiment tracks how each chemical species reacts when the temperature rises.”
In context“Advanced spectroscopy allows researchers to identify transient intermediate species that exist for only a fraction of a second during the reaction.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the bread or wine used in a Christian church service.
the visible forms of the elements (bread and wine) used in the Eucharist.
Simple“The priest prepared the holy species before the start of the ceremony.”
In context“Theological debates often centered on the nature of the real presence within the consecrated species during the liturgy.”
Usage species like · human species · identify species
From Latin speciēs (“appearance; quality”), from speciō (“see”) + -iēs suffix signifying abstract noun. Doublet of spice.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.