specification

UK: /ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃ^ən/

US: /ˌspɛsəfɪˈkeɪʃən/

US: (spes′ə fi kā′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

spec•i•fi•ca•tion /ˌspɛsəfɪˈkeɪʃən/   n. 

1. the act of specifying:
   [uncountable] specification of charges against the prisoner.
2. Usually, specifications. [plural] a detailed description of requirements, materials, etc., as in a plan for a building.

See -spec-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

spec•i•fi•ca•tion  (spes′ə fi kā′shən), n. 

1. the act of specifying.
2. Usually, specifications. a detailed description or assessment of requirements, dimensions, materials, etc., as of a proposed building, machine, bridge, etc.
3. a particular item, aspect, calculation, etc., in such a description.
4. something specified, as in a bill of particulars;
   a specified particular, item, or article.
5. an act of making specific.
6. the state of having a specific character.

• Medieval Latin specificātiōn- (stem of specificātiō), equivalent. to specificāt(us) (past participle of specificāre to mention, describe; see specific, -ate¹) + -iōn- -ion
• 1605–15

Synonyms

• 4. requirement, condition, qualification.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

specification / ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

1. the act or an instance of specifying
2. (in patent law) a written statement accompanying an application for a patent that describes the nature of an invention
3. a detailed description of the criteria for the constituents, construction, appearance, performance, etc, of a material, apparatus, etc, or of the standard of workmanship required in its manufacture
4. an item, detail, etc, specified