Emily Dickinson Lexicon

special, adj. [OFr or L. 'individual, particular'.]

1. Uncommon; distinguished from others by some peculiar or particular quality.
2. Dear to the heart; intimate; precious.
3. Lawful; specifically and uniquely designated.

species, n. [L. 'appearance, form, kind, to look, behold'.]

1. A distinct sort, form, or kind of something specifically mentioned or implied.
2. A less emotive or euphemistic alternative for “dead person”; a deceased or departed person; an immortal human soul.

specific, adj. [see species, n.]

1. Specifically referred to, mentioned, or implied; indicating a particular individual or case.
2. Specially or particularly pertaining to, characteristic of, or belonging to a species or group.
3. Subject to delimitation or demarcation.

specifical, adv. [see species, n.]

Specifically; in a specific manner or fashion; with a definite purpose, goal, or result in mind.

specify (-ied), v. [OFr 'to describe, mention, note particularly'.]

1. To mention or state specifically or explicitly.
2. To speak plainly and explicitly about a matter, without reservation or disguise, so as to make it clearly understood.
3. To describe and assign a name to; enumerate or list with others of its class.

specimen (-s), n. [L. 'to look at'.]

A sample or selection, regarded as an example of the whole.

specious, adj. [L. 'fair, beautiful'.]

1. Having an appearance which may suggest a character or qualities other than those actually possessed.
2. Displaying a superficial attractiveness deliberately intended to deceive.
3. Characteristic of or belonging to a particular species [word play on species.]

speck (-s), n. [OE.]

1. A tiny particle, especially as seen from a distance or by comparison.
2. A small spot of different hue or luminance than the surface upon or against which it appears.
3. A very small amount; trace.

spectacle, n. [OFr < L. spectāre, to look.]

1. Anything visible.
2. [Fig.] something from which the night provides an escape.

spectacles, n. [see spectacle, n.]

Eyeglasses with side-pieces that pass over the ears when worn and fold behind the lenses when not in use.