noun
species
SPEE-sheez/ˈspiːʃiːz/
A distinct category or kind.
The adults and kits belong to the same species of fox.
Etymology
Latin species moved from “outward appearance” to a kind whose members share distinctive characteristics. Biology adopted this grouping sense for living organisms, though the exact boundaries of a species have remained debated.
In context
Two groups of animals are defined as different species when individuals from one group don't mate and reproduce with those from the other.
More examples
- Both plants belong to the same species.
- Scientists discover a new species of beetle in the forest.
- His excuse is a familiar species of nonsense.
Forms
species