Definition

1. Noun:
   • A detailed, explicit statement of requirements or conditions: A "specification" is a precise description of what is needed, required, or expected for something, such as a product, project, or agreement.
   • A detailed description of design criteria: In engineering, design, and manufacturing, a "specification" is a document that sets out the exact standards, dimensions, materials, and performance requirements for a piece of work or product.
   • (Patent law) A detailed description of an invention: In legal contexts, a "specification" is the part of a patent application that provides a full and clear disclosure of the invention's nature and how it is made and used.

Examples of Usage

• General/Agreement Context:

  • The contract includes a strict specification regarding the delivery date.
  • Our agreement came with the specification that all work must be completed by Friday.

• Technical/Design Context:

  • The engineer reviewed the technical specifications for the new bridge.
  • Please check the product specifications to ensure it meets our power requirements.

• Legal/Patent Context:

  • The patent application must contain a written specification describing the invention in detail.

Advanced Usage

• "To meet/exceed specifications": To satisfy or perform better than the stated requirements.

  • The prototype met all the design specifications.
  • This component exceeds the original specifications for durability.

• "As per specification": According to the detailed requirements.

  • The software was built as per the client's specification.

Variants and Related Words

• Specify (verb): To state or describe something clearly and precisely.

  • The client will specify the exact colors for the logo.

• Specific (adjective): Clearly defined or identified; precise.

  • We need specific instructions to proceed.

• Specs (noun, informal abbreviation): A common, informal shortening of "specifications".

  • Can you send me the specs for the new laptop model?

Synonyms

• Requirement: Something that is needed or demanded.
• Stipulation: A condition or requirement that is specified as part of an agreement.
• Description: A spoken or written account of something.

Related Phrases

• "Job specification": A detailed description of the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for a particular job.

  • The job specification listed five years of experience as a requirement.

• "Technical specification sheet": A document, often for a product, listing its detailed technical characteristics.

  • You can download the technical specification sheet from the manufacturer's website.

Related Idioms

• "To the letter of the specification": Following the requirements exactly, with no deviation.
  • The construction was done to the letter of the specification provided by the architect.

Noun

1. a restriction that is insisted upon as a condition for an agreement
2. (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
3. naming explicitly
4. a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work