Definition of the word specimen

The word "specimen" originates from the Latin phrase "specimens res est" which translates to "a thing taken as a pattern or sample", dating back to the 16th century. The term was first used in scientific contexts to refer to a representative piece or object chosen to serve as an example or illustration of a particular category, species, or quality. In natural history, specimens could be anything from a dead animal or plant to a rock or mineral, preserved and studied for scientific analysis or education. The word has also been applied in other fields such as literature, where a specimen can be a model or example of a particular style, genre, or period in the evolution of a language. Today, the term "specimen" continues to be used in science and industry to describe a sample that represents a larger entity or population.