Specimen vs. Sample: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 28, 2023
A "specimen" is an individual example or representative, while a "sample" is a portion or segment taken from a larger whole.
Difference Between Specimen and Sample
Specimen and sample are terms often used interchangeably, but their meanings have distinct nuances. A specimen typically refers to an individual or singular item that represents a class or group. In contrast, a sample represents a part or fragment taken from a larger whole, offering insight into the nature of the entire set.
Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
In the realm of science, particularly biology, a specimen usually indicates an individual organism or part of an organism under study. For instance, a botanist might study a specific flower as a specimen of its species. However, a sample in scientific terms often implies a portion taken for analysis, like a blood sample or a water sample, from a larger quantity to understand its composition or properties.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
The term specimen can also be used in everyday language to reference an example of something, especially when highlighting its typical characteristics. A person might be called a fine specimen of humanity based on their characteristics or behavior. Meanwhile, sample finds its usage predominantly when referring to a small portion of something given or taken to get a sense of the whole, like a sample of fabric or a food sample.
Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
In commerce, while specimen may refer to a model or example of a product displayed for prospective buyers, sample usually implies a small part of a product given to potential customers to try before they buy, like perfume samples or food tasting samples.
William
Nov 28, 2023
Conclusively, while both specimen and sample relate to parts or examples of a whole, their applications and implications differ. Specimen focuses on individuality and representation, while sample emphasizes a fragmentary nature, providing insight into the larger entity.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
Specimen vs. Sample Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual example or representative.
A portion or segment from a larger whole.
Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
Usage
Typically denotes a singular item.
Represents a fragmentary part of a larger quantity.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
Context
Often used in biology for individual organisms.
Commonly used for portions taken for analysis.
Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
Everyday Language
Can refer to a typical example of something.
Implies a small part given to sense the whole.
William
Nov 28, 2023
Commerce
Refers to a model or example product.
Small part of a product for potential customers to try.
Jonathan
Nov 28, 2023
Specimen vs. Sample Definitions
◉Specimen
A model or example of a product for prospective buyers.
The car showroom had a specimen of the latest model.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A set of data taken from a larger dataset.
The survey used a random sample of 100 participants.
Nolan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Specimen
A particular or peculiar kind of person.
He's quite the specimen with his unique talents.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A specimen taken for analysis or testing
a blood sample.
a water sample.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An individual example representing others of its class.
This butterfly is a rare specimen of its species.
Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole
showed samples of a new stretch fabric.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An individual organism or part thereof for scientific study.
The museum displayed a specimen of a prehistoric plant.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
(Statistics) A set of data or elements drawn from a larger population and analyzed to estimate the characteristics of that population. Also called sampling.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An example illustrating a rule or principle.
This artwork serves as a specimen of Renaissance beauty.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A usually digitized audio segment taken from an original recording and inserted, often repetitively, in a new recording.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
One of a series of pieces of data representing a digitized approximation of an analog signal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An organism, part of an organism, or fossil that has been collected and usually preserved, especially for display or scientific research.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To take a sample of, especially to test or examine by a sample
the restaurant critic who must sample a little of everything.
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May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
A sample, as of tissue, blood, or urine, used for analysis and diagnosis.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To use or incorporate (an audio segment of an original recording) in a new recording
a song that samples the bassline of a 1970s disco tune.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To represent the value of (an analog signal) at a particular point in time by means of a piece of digital data.
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May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An individual instance that represents a class; an example.
early specimens of the art of Picasso
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May 03, 2023
◉Sample
Serving as a representative or example
sample test questions.
a sample piece of fabric.
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May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
(numismatics) A banknote printed for distribution to central banks to aid in the recognition of banknotes from a country other than their own
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
A part or snippet of something taken or presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen.
a blood sample
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
(philately) A postage stamp sent to postmasters and postal administrations so that they are able to identify valid stamps and to avoid forgeries
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May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(statistics) A subset of a population selected for measurement, observation or questioning, to provide statistical information about the population.
Large samples are generally more reliable than small samples due to having less variability.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(cooking) A small quantity of food for tasting, typically given away for free.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(business) A small piece of some goods, for determining quality, colour, etc., typically given away for free.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
A part, or small portion, of anything, or one of a number of things, intended to exhibit the kind and quality of the whole, or of what is not exhibited; a sample; as, a specimen of a man's handwriting; a specimen of a person's blood; a specimen of painting; aspecimen of one's art.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(music) Gratuitous borrowing of easily recognised phases (or moments) from other music (or movies) in a recording.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
a bit of tissue or blood or urine that is taken for diagnostic purposes;
they collected a urine specimen for urinalysis
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To reduce a continuous signal (such as a sound wave) to a discrete signal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To reuse a portion of (an existing sound recording) in a new piece of music.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
Example; pattern.
Thus he concludes, and every hardy knightHis sample followed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
A part of anything presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen; as, goods are often purchased by samples.
I design this but for a sample of what I hope more fully to discuss.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
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May 03, 2023
◉Sample
all or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
She took a sample of the cake to taste.
Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A portion drawn from a population for analysis or testing.
The scientist took a water sample for testing.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis.
The doctor asked for a blood sample.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A sound or piece of music created by sampling.
The song features a sample from an older track.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Specimen vs. Sample Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to sample music?
Sampling in music refers to taking a segment or portion of one sound recording and reusing it in a different song or piece.
Leo
Nov 28, 2023
Is a specimen always a single entity?
While a specimen typically denotes a singular item, it can also refer to multiple items if they collectively represent a class.
Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
Is sampling the act of collecting specimens?
Not necessarily. Sampling usually refers to collecting portions from a larger whole, while collecting specimens emphasizes gathering representative examples.
Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
Can a sample be a specimen?
Yes, in certain contexts, a sample taken for analysis can be referred to as a specimen.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
In which fields are specimens commonly used?
Specimens are predominantly used in fields like biology, zoology, and botany.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
Why are samples used in research?
Samples provide a manageable way to draw inferences about a larger population without examining every individual entity.
Henry
Nov 28, 2023
Can one entity be both a specimen and a sample?
Yes, depending on context, an entity can be referred to as both a specimen (as a representative) and a sample (as a portion of the whole).
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
How is a sample size determined in research?
Sample size is determined based on the research objectives, population size, and desired accuracy, among other factors.
Kaitlyn
Nov 28, 2023
Is a specimen always typical of its class?
Typically, specimens are chosen for being representative, but they can also be atypical or unique examples.
Levi
Nov 28, 2023
Is it accurate to call a product sample a specimen?
While "sample" is more common in commerce, calling a product "specimen" emphasizes it as a model or example for display.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
