A small part, or sample, of any substance or material obtained for testing. [L. fr. specio, to look at]
- cytologic s. a s. obtainable by a variety of methods from many areas of the body, including the female genital tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract, alimentary tract, and body cavities; used for cytologic examination and diagnosis ( e.g., cytologic smears, filter preparations, centrifuged buttons).
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spec·i·men 'spes-(ə-)mən n
1) an individual, item, or part typical of a group, class, or whole
2) a portion or quantity of material for use in testing, examination, or study <a urine \specimen>
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spec·i·men (spesґĭ-mən) 1. a sample or part of a thing, or of several things, taken to show or to determine the character of the whole, as a specimen of urine. 2. a preparation of tissue for pathological examination or of a normal tissue, organ, or organism for study of its structure.Medical dictionary. 2011.