noun Common

Sp

Sp (noun) means a common written abbreviation for "spelling," used to flag a misspelled word, or for "species" in scientific names. Example: “The teacher circled the word and wrote "sp" in the margin.”

noun

A common written abbreviation for "spelling," used to flag a misspelled word, or for "species" in scientific names.

"The teacher circled the word and wrote "sp" in the margin."

"The field guide listed the plant as Rosa sp. when the exact species was unknown."

How to use Sp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shorthand abbreviation used mainly for "spelling" (in editing) or "species" (in science).

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The teacher circled the word and wrote "_____" in the margin.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Sp” mean?

The word “Sp” means a common written abbreviation for "spelling," used to flag a misspelled word, or for "species" in scientific names. In plain terms, a shorthand abbreviation used mainly for "spelling" (in editing) or "species" (in science).

How do you use “Sp” in a sentence?

Here is “Sp” used in a sentence: “The teacher circled the word and wrote "sp" in the margin.”

What part of speech is “Sp”?

“Sp” is a noun.

Is “Sp” a common word?

“Sp” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between sp. and spp.?

In scientific naming, sp. refers to a single species, while spp. is the plural and refers to several species within a genus. So "Canis sp." points to one unspecified species, whereas "Canis spp." covers multiple species of that genus.

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