ENGLISH
REFERENCE

species

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈspiʃiz// UK //spˈiːsiːz// species Archaic General-service

n. a group of living things that are very similar and can have babies together. It is the basic way scientists group animals and plants.

n. a fundamental category of biological classification consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. In broader scientific contexts, it can refer to a distinct kind or sort of something.


SIMPLE

The island is home to many rare bird species.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists recently discovered a new species of frog living deep within the tropical rainforest.

COMPLEX

The rapid loss of habitat has placed several endemic species on the brink of extinction, necessitating immediate conservation efforts to preserve local biodiversity.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin speciēs (“appearance; quality”), from speciō (“see”) + -iēs suffix signifying abstract noun. Doublet of spice.

Usage

The word 'species' is identical in its singular and plural forms; 'a species' and 'many species' are both correct.

Pitfall

a new specie of planta new species of plantThe word 'species' always ends in 's', even when referring to just one group. 'Specie' refers to coins or money.

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