Definition of specious

< specimen

speck >

spe·cious    (spshs) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually fallacious: a specious argument.
2. Deceptively attractive.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, attractive, from Latin specisus, from specis, appearance; see spek- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
specious·ly(Adverb), speci·osi·ty  (-sh-s-t) KEY  or specious·ness  (-shs-ns) KEY (Noun)