specification

/ˈspɛsəfəˌkeɪʃən/

/spɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃɪn/

Other forms: specifications

We sometimes call them "specs," but a specification has no relationship to eyeglasses! Instead, it is an explicit detail of a design, presenting the exact way something specific must be constructed. For example, blueprints contain the specifications for a building.

In the 17th century, the word specification emerged with the meaning of giving something a specific quality. The technical meaning, applied to building and engineering plans, developed in the late 18th century. The meaning of the word is precise, referring to specific plans, although just because it's a specification doesn't mean it is accurate. Science-fiction writer Robert Heinlein once had his character Lazarus Long make the comment, "An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications."

Definitions of specification

1. noun

   the act of naming explicitly
   type of:

   naming

   the verbal act of naming
2. noun

   a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
   synonyms: spec

   types:

   computer architecture

   the art of assembling logical elements into a computing device; the specification of the relation between parts of a computer system

   network architecture

   specification of design principles (including data formats and procedures) for creating a network configuration of data processors

   neural net, neural network

   computer architecture in which processors are connected in a manner suggestive of connections between neurons; can learn by trial and error

   type of:

   description, verbal description

   a statement that represents something in words
3. noun

   a restriction that is insisted upon as a condition for an agreement
   synonyms: stipulation

   type of:

   confinement, restriction

   the act of keeping something within specified bounds (by force if necessary)
4. noun

   (patent law) a document drawn up by the applicant for a patent of invention that provides an explicit and detailed description of the nature and use of an invention
   type of:

   document, papers, written document

   writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)