Etymology, English, Species

Etymology

From Latin speciēs (“appearance; quality”), from speciō (“see”) + -iēs suffix signifying abstract noun, from Proto-Italic *spekjō, from Proto-Indo-European *spéḱyeti,  Doublet of spice.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈspiːʃiːz/, /ˈspiːsiːz/. Some speakers pronounce the singular with -ɪz, the plural with -iːz.

Noun

species (plural species or (rare, nonstandard) specieses)

1. Type or kind.

   the male species

   a new species of war

   1. A group of plants or animals having a similar appearance.

      This species of animal is unique to the area.

   2. (biology, taxonomy) A category in the classification of organisms, ranking below genus; a taxon at that rank.
   3. (chemistry, physics) A particular type of atom, molecule, ion or other particle.
   4. (mineralogy) A mineral with a unique chemical formula whose crystals belong to a unique crystallographic system.
2. An image, an appearance, a spectacle.
   1. (obsolete) The image of something cast on a surface, or reflected from a surface, or refracted through a lens or telescope; a reflection.

      I cast the species of the Sun onto a sheet of paper through a telescope.

   2. Visible or perceptible presentation; appearance; something perceived.
   3. A public spectacle or exhibition.
3. (Christianity) Either of the two elements of the Eucharist after they have been consecrated.
4. Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
5. A component part of compound medicine; a simple.
6. An officinal mixture or compound powder of any kind; especially, one used for making an aromatic tea or tisane; a tea mixture.

Usage notes

• species is its own plural; specie is a separate word that means coin money.
• (biology, taxonomy): See species name, binomial nomenclature.