scant specimens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant specimens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or insufficient number of samples or examples in a particular context, such as scientific research or collections. Example: "The study was hindered by the availability of scant specimens, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, scant specimens are important factors in "indeterminate" cytology diagnosis.

Applied Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Morphology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rate on invalid results was very low (4.8%) and due to scant FFPE specimens.

BioMed Research International

"Low" level cellularity included cases described as having a scant or paucicellular specimen per the cytology report.

BMC Gastroenterology

Semi-quantitative enumeration was reported for 94 specimens; 48 (51%) scant, 34 (36%) moderate and 12 (13%) heavy colonisation.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Nonetheless, from the scant records and our examination of specimens in natural history museum collections, we had formulated the hypothesis that the variable-scaled anole is ecologically and behaviorally similar to the twig-using anole species that have evolved independently on each of the large islands of the Caribbean.

The New York Times

The Jehol itself is replete with huge numbers of birds, but before that the avian record is very scant and the only obvious material is the famous Archaeopteryx specimens of Germany.

The Guardian

Therefore, specimens with fragmentation, those lacking preserved tissue architecture, and specimens with scant material were not included.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Hematoxylin-eosin stained images of the specimens revealed small, round tumor cells arranged in solid sheets with scant cytoplasm, a high nuclear/cytoplasm ratio and indistinct cell borders.

BMC Cancer

For FNA specimens, the distinction between adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) can be challenging due to scant tumor tissue [16-19] [16-19]erandother factorseveral as an otherring tumor diathesis, crushing and drying preparation artifactors19-21].

Clinical and Translational Medicine

A significant number of diagnostic samples are derived from biopsy specimens; hence the molecular method must be adequately robust and sensitive to provide reliable results from scant patient material.

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimen of the liver showed a diffuse proliferation of anaplastic cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm, suggesting undifferentiated carcinoma of the liver.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant specimens", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the specimens 'scant' – is it the quantity, quality, or representativeness? Providing this context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "scant" (meaning a small or insufficient amount) with terms describing the quality or condition of the specimens. Using "scant" implies a lack of quantity, not necessarily that the specimens are damaged or of poor quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant specimens" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "scant" modifies the noun "specimens". According to Ludwig, it is correct and can be used to describe a limited quantity of samples. It highlights the insufficiency in number of the specimens.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scant specimens" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively conveys a limited quantity of samples, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and suitable for describing insufficient material. It's typically employed in formal writing and research, where precision is valued. While alternatives like "limited specimens" or "scarce specimens" exist, "scant specimens" offers a specific nuance related to inadequacy. Ensure clarity by providing context on why the specimens are considered 'scant'. The phrase is more about quantity than quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited specimens

Replaces "scant" with "limited", maintaining the core meaning of a small quantity.

scarce specimens

Substitutes "scant" with "scarce", emphasizing rarity or infrequency.

insufficient specimens

Replaces "scant" with "insufficient", highlighting the inadequacy of the quantity.

meager specimens

Uses "meager" instead of "scant", suggesting a small and often unsatisfactory amount.

few specimens

A simpler alternative, directly indicating a small number of specimens.

sparse specimens

Emphasizes the scattered or thinly distributed nature of the specimens.

limited number of specimens

Adds specificity by explicitly stating "limited number", which clarifies the quantity.

small amount of specimens

Focuses on the quantity as an amount, rather than the specimens themselves.

paucity of specimens

Shifts the focus to the lack or scarcity of specimens, using a more formal tone.

inadequate number of specimens

Highlights that the quantity is not sufficient for the purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "scant specimens" in a sentence?

You might say, "The research project faced challenges due to "scant specimens" available for analysis", indicating that a limited number of samples hindered the study.

What are some alternatives to "scant specimens"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "limited specimens", "scarce specimens", or "insufficient specimens". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the lack of samples.

Is it more appropriate to use "scant specimens" or "few specimens" in scientific writing?

"Scant specimens" tends to be more formal and is often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe a limited quantity of samples. "Few specimens" is simpler and more general.

What does "scant" mean in the context of "scant specimens"?

In this context, "scant" means a small or inadequate amount. It describes the quantity of specimens as being less than what is needed or expected, creating a situation where there are not enough specimens available.