interspecific

adjective

in·​ter·​spe·​cif·​ic ˌin-tər-spi-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
variants or less commonly interspecies
ˌin-tər-ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
-(ˌ)sēz
: existing, occurring, or arising between species
an interspecific hybrid

Examples of interspecific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gao’s equation becomes less accurate as interspecific interactions become stronger. — Anna Gibbs, Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023 Scientists classify conflicts in two ways: Those encounters between members of different species are called interspecific conflicts, and those that occur within the same species — sometimes even within specific clans or families — are intraspecific. — Sarah Jay, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interspecific was in 1889

Rhymes for interspecific

See All Rhymes for interspecific

Browse Nearby Words

interspatial
interspecific
interspersal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interspecific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interspecific. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

interspecific

adjective
in·​ter·​spe·​cif·​ic ˌint-ər-spi-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
variants or interspecies
-ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
-(ˌ)sēz
: existing or arising between species
an interspecific hybrid

Medical Definition

interspecific

adjective
in·​ter·​spe·​cif·​ic ˌint-ər-spi-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
variants also interspecies
-ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz, -(ˌ)sēz How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
: existing or arising between species
an interspecific hybrid
interspecifically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce interspecific (audio)
adverb
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