Definition of: species

(spē′shēz, -shiz; Lat. spē′shi·ēz) noun plural ·cies
1. Biol. A category of animals or plants subordinate to a genus but above a breed, race, strain, or variety. The species name follows immediately after the name of the genus to which it belongs, and with it forms the scientific name of the individual plant or animal, as Oreamnos americanus, the Rocky Mountain goat.
2. A group of individuals or objects agreeing in some common attribute or attributes and designated by a common name.
3. A mental image considered as having the likeness of some object in nature.
4. A kind; sort; variety; form.
5. Eccl. a The visible form of bread or of wine retained by the eucharistic elements after consecration. b The consecrated elements of the Eucharist.
6. Obs. Specie; coin. [<L, form, kind. Doublet of SPICE.]