Species difference

The species difference (Latin differentia specifica) is the term / name that denotes the difference between the generic term and the subordinate term. In a classic definition, which includes a Definiendum (the term to be explained) and a Definiens (the term to be explained), the Definiens (the term to be explained) consists of the generic term (also generic term) and the “species difference ".

Instead of species difference, one also speaks of difference / difference / characteristic that is specific / species-forming.

A (next) generic term (Latin genus proximum ) together with a species difference results in a species.

Example: In the definition “the thermometer is a physical device that is used to measure temperature”, the words “that is used to measure temperature” denote the species difference, i. H. that feature that distinguishes the thermometer from other objects of the same kind, namely other physical devices.

• Genus proximum et differentia specifica
• definition
• Predicables