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species
/ˈspiːsiːz/
The word 'species' is primarily used as a noun. In biology, it refers to a specific taxonomic rank. It is an uncountable noun when referring to the general concept of a type or kind (e.g., 'What species of bird is that?'). However, it can be used countably when referring to distinct types (e.g., 'several species of flowers'). It is generally considered standard English and is not particularly formal or informal, though its use in everyday conversation might be less frequent than in scientific or academic contexts.
Meanings
A group of living organisms that can reproduce with one another and produce fertile offspring, constituting a fundamental category of taxonomic classification.
"The species is endangered."
Collocations & Compounds
endangered species
A species at serious risk of extinction.
We must protect endangered species.
extinct species
A species that no longer has any living members.
Dinosaurs are an extinct species.
new species
A species that has recently been discovered or identified.
Scientists found a new species in the deep sea.
human species
The species Homo sapiens, comprising modern humans.
The human species has spread globally.
native species
A species that originates or naturally occurs in a particular place.
Protecting native species is crucial.
Idioms & Sayings
a different species
Used to describe someone or something that is completely different from others.
His approach to problem-solving is a different species.
a peculiar species
Used humorously to describe a person with odd or unusual characteristics.
He's really a peculiar species, isn't he?
Etymology
The word 'species' comes from Latin, meaning 'appearance', 'sort', or 'kind'. It was first used in English in the late 16th century to refer to a particular kind or sort of thing. In the 17th century, its biological meaning began to develop, referring to a group of organisms sharing common characteristics. This biological sense was popularized by scientists like John Ray and Carl Linnaeus, who used it as a fundamental unit in their systems of classification. Linnaeus, in particular, established the binomial nomenclature system where 'species' became the second part of a scientific name (e.g., Homo sapiens). The term's usage evolved from a general concept of 'kind' to a precise scientific category based on reproduction and shared characteristics.