'specific' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'specificus,' where 'species' meant 'kind' and '-ficus' meant 'making.'

'specificus' transformed into the French word 'spécifique,' and eventually became the modern English word 'specific' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to a kind or species,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'clearly defined or identified.'