specification
/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
1An act of identifying something precisely or of stating a precise requirement: give a full specification of the job advertised [mass noun]: there was no clear specification of objectives...
- It sought coherence through the specification of clear objectives.
- The Charter was the first attempt to give the public a clear specification of what it could expect.
- There is no formal requirement for them to agree with the other Community institutions on the specification of price stability.
Synonyms
statement, stating, naming, identification, definition, defining, describing, description, setting out, setting down, framing, itemizing, designation, designating, detailing, listing, spelling out, enumeration, enumerating, particularizing, cataloguing, citing, instancing;
stipulating, stipulation, prescribing, prescription, commanding, ordaining
rare individuation
2 (usually specifications) A detailed description of the design and materials used to make something: one of the telescope’s mirrors had been manufactured to incorrect specifications...
- She shuffles between appointments and fittings with designers and vendors to determine fabrics and detail garment specifications for new designs.
- A plan, which includes material costs, specifications and design entails, will be prepared.
- Ask your dealer to give you detailed material specifications on the products they are proposing.
Synonyms
instructions, stipulations, requirements, conditions, provisions, restrictions, provisos, guidelines, parameters, order;
description, details, delineation
2.1A standard of workmanship or materials required to be met in a piece of work: everything was built to a higher specification...
- None of these systems were able to meet the scale and specifications required by federal policy.
- Check the product label to make sure the material meets specifications of the federal government.
- This model didn't meet specifications.
2.2A description of an invention accompanying an application for a patent.The inventions disclosed in difference specifications can be different in kind....
- I was addressed by both parties on the principles of law to be adopted in construing patent specifications.
- Although the specification describes an invention of a working combination, it is not the invention claimed.
Origin
Late 16th century: from medieval Latin specificatio(n-), from late Latin specificare (see specify).