online medical dictionary | definition of specious

1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy. "Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye." (Bp. Richardson) "The rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward rites and specious forms Religion satisfied." (Milton)

2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument. "Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property." (Macaulay) "In consequence of their greater command of specious expression." (J. Morley)

Synonyms: Plausible, showy, ostensible, colourable, feasible. See Plausible.

Spe"xiously, Spe"ciousness.

Origin: L. Speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. Species look, show, appearance; cf. F. Specoeux. See Species.

(01 Mar 1998)