1. Denoting that an extensive physical quantity (see extensive variable) so described is expressed per unit mass. For example, the specific latent heat of a body is its latent heat per unit mass. When the extensive physical quantity is denoted by a capital letter (e.g. L for latent heat), the specific quantity is denoted by the corresponding lower-case letter (e.g. l for specific latent heat).
2. In some older physical quantities the adjective ‘specific’ was added for other reasons (e.g. specific gravity, specific resistance). These names are now no longer used.