specialize

[ spesh-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing.

1. to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty:

   The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.

2. Biology. (of an organism or one of its organs) to be adapted to a special function or environment.

verb (used with object)

, spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing.

1. to render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.
2. to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.
3. to restrict payment of (a negotiable instrument) by endorsing over to a specific payee.
4. to specify; particularize.

specialize

/ ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. intr to train in or devote oneself to a particular area of study, occupation, or activity
2. usually passive to cause (organisms or their parts) to develop in a way most suited to a particular environment or way of life or (of organisms, etc) to develop in this way
3. tr to modify or make suitable for a special use or purpose
4. tr to mention specifically; specify
5. tr to endorse (a commercial paper) to a specific payee

Derived Forms

• ˌspecialiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• spe·cial·i·za·tion [spesh-, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• non·spe·cial·iz·ing adjective
• o·ver·spe·cial·ize verb overspecialized overspecializing
• pre·spe·cial·ize verb (used without object) prespecialized prespecializing
• sub·spe·cial·ize verb subspecialized subspecializing
• su·per·spe·cial·ize verb (used without object) superspecialized superspecializing
• un·spe·cial·iz·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialize¹

From the French word spécialiser, dating back to 1605–15; special, -ize

Example Sentences

He hopes to attend Columbia Medical School and specialize in Oncology.

From The Daily Beast

And some specialize in treating women, who have different risk factors for excess drinking.

From The Daily Beast

The lawyers of ArchCity Defenders specialize in representing the indigent and the homeless.

From The Daily Beast

But for lawyers who specialize in national security law this distinction matters a great deal.

From The Daily Beast

Today, a handful of quick-eats joints in and around Newark specialize in the signature sandwich.

From The Daily Beast

Whatever branch of the law you specialize upon, you must leave Rosewater and come to San Francisco.

From Project Gutenberg

"You can't specialize in everything, life is too short," answered Mr. Hazeltine, laughing.

From Project Gutenberg

The duty of a being is to persevere in its being and even to augment the characteristics which specialize it.

From Project Gutenberg

But the temptation to specialize the work is greater, and should be carefully guarded against.

From Project Gutenberg

In the woods, mink catch mice, frogs and eat eggs of water fowl, but they specialize on small fish.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• train