/ˈspesɪmən/
speci·men
BrE /ˈspesɪmən/
NAmE /ˈspesɪmən/
a small amount of sth that shows what the rest of it is like
SYN sample
Astronauts have brought back specimens of rock from the moon.
Scientific research
Theory
formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework
advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
make a prediction/an inference
base a prediction/your calculations on sth
investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
Experiment
design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
do research/an experiment/an analysis
make observations/measurements/calculations
carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
replicate a study/the results/the findings
observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behaviour/(especially US) a behavior
fund/support the research/project/study
seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
Results
collect/gather/extract data/information
yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
analyse/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
fit the data/model
confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
draw/make/reach the same conclusions
read/review the records/literature
describe/report an experiment/a study
present/publish/summarize the results/findings
present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal
a single example of sth, especially an animal or a plant
The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.
(humorous) They were fine specimens of British youth!
examplecase ◇ instance ◇ specimen ◇ illustration
These are all words for a thing or situation that is typical of a particular group or set, and is sometimes used to support an argument.
example something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say; a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set：
Can you give me an example of what you mean?
case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing：
In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
instance (rather formal) a particular situation or a situation of a particular type：
The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.
specimen an example of sth, especially an animal or plant：
The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.
illustration (rather formal) a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about sth：
The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make.
example or illustration?
An illustration is often used to show that sth is true. An example is used to help to explain sth.
Patterns
a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of sth
in a particular case/instance
for example/instance
a small quantity of blood, urine, etc. that is taken from sb and tested by a doctor
to provide/take a specimen