Specimen vs. Sample: Difference and Comparison
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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.
![Specimen vs. Sample](/images/specimen-vs-sample-5169.webp)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
Specimen vs. Sample Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual example or representative.
A portion or segment from a larger whole.
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Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
Usage
Typically denotes a singular item.
Represents a fragmentary part of a larger quantity.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
Context
Often used in biology for individual organisms.
Commonly used for portions taken for analysis.
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Muazma Batool
Nov 28, 2023
Everyday Language
Can refer to a typical example of something.
Implies a small part given to sense the whole.
![](/avatar/438343ddd941eb8b019f1159ea9e898f.webp?s=32)
William
Nov 28, 2023
Commerce
Refers to a model or example product.
Small part of a product for potential customers to try.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
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.
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Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A set of data taken from a larger dataset.
The survey used a random sample of 100 participants.
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Nolan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Specimen
A particular or peculiar kind of person.
He's quite the specimen with his unique talents.
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Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole
showed samples of a new stretch fabric.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An individual example representing others of its class.
This butterfly is a rare specimen of its species.
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Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A specimen taken for analysis or testing
a blood sample.
a water sample.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An individual organism or part thereof for scientific study.
The museum displayed a specimen of a prehistoric plant.
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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.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An example illustrating a rule or principle.
This artwork serves as a specimen of Renaissance beauty.
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Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A usually digitized audio segment taken from an original recording and inserted, often repetitively, in a new recording.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
One of a series of pieces of data representing a digitized approximation of an analog signal.
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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.
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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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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
A sample, as of tissue, blood, or urine, used for analysis and diagnosis.
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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.
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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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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Specimen
An individual instance that represents a class; an example.
early specimens of the art of Picasso
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
Serving as a representative or example
sample test questions.
a sample piece of fabric.
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Muneeza Rehman
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
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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
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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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Muneeza Rehman
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.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(cooking) A small quantity of food for tasting, typically given away for free.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(business) A small piece of some goods, for determining quality, colour, etc., typically given away for free.
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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.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
(music) Gratuitous borrowing of easily recognised phases (or moments) from other music (or movies) in a recording.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
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
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To reduce a continuous signal (such as a sound wave) to a discrete signal.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To reuse a portion of (an existing sound recording) in a new piece of music.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
Example; pattern.
Thus he concludes, and every hardy knightHis sample followed.
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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.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sample
all or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
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.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A portion drawn from a population for analysis or testing.
The scientist took a water sample for testing.
![](/avatar/9a92bbf2630d5bb4535a9c27bc412a51.webp?s=32)
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis.
The doctor asked for a blood sample.
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Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
◉Sample
A sound or piece of music created by sampling.
The song features a sample from an older track.
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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.
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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.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
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.
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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.
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Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
In which fields are specimens commonly used?
Specimens are predominantly used in fields like biology, zoology, and botany.
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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.
![](/avatar/9a92bbf2630d5bb4535a9c27bc412a51.webp?s=32)
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).
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
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.
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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.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
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.
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Muneeza Rehman
Nov 28, 2023
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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.
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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.