specialist

[ spesh-uh-list ]

noun

1. a person who is devoted to one subject or to one particular branch of a subject or pursuit.
2. a medical practitioner who devotes attention to a particular class of diseases, patients, etc.
3. U.S. Army. an enlisted person of one of four grades having technical or administrative duties, the grades corresponding to those of corporal through sergeant first class but not requiring the exercise of command.
4. Stock Exchange. a member of an exchange who buys and sells a single stock or a particular group of stocks in their own name or for other stockbrokers and thus helps maintain the market in those securities on that exchange.

specialist

/ ˈspɛʃəlɪst /

noun

1. 1. a person who specializes in or devotes himself to a particular area of activity, field of research, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      specialist knowledge

2. an enlisted rank in the US Army denoting technical qualifications that entitle the holder to a noncommissioned officer's pay
3. See generalist
   ecology an organism that has special nutritional requirements and lives in a restricted habitat that provides these Compare generalist

Derived Forms

• ˌspecialˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• non·special·ist noun adjective
• pre·special·ist noun
• sub·special·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialist¹

First recorded in 1855–60; special + -ist

Example Sentences

I knew only that the hit was commissioned; the man who took the contract was a specialist.

From The Daily Beast

Renowned livestock specialist and autism advocate Temple Grandin brought her unique intellect and wit to Reddit.

From The Daily Beast

But at least one American logistics specialist has his doubts about the authenticity of the video's claims.

From The Daily Beast

Once, seeing Palmer reading Dr. Zhivago, teammate Steve Stone said, "It must be about an elbow specialist."

From The Daily Beast

Without this specialist 24-hour care Ashya is at risk of additional health complications, which place him at substantial risk.

From The Daily Beast

Were it possible to present the subject in detail, it would be tedious and unprofitable to all save the specialist.

From Project Gutenberg

Although a capable specialist, as regards general culture and intelligence Ilia Petrovich had only a mediocre equipment.

From Project Gutenberg

The first thing you must do now is to hire a first-class farmer and call in a tree specialist.

From Project Gutenberg

Also, under the instructions of the specialist, they made an attempt to break the child of the "hoodaloo mungie" habit.

From Project Gutenberg

That is the essential error of the specialist philosopher, the specialist teacher, the specialist publicist.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• authority
• consultant
• doctor
• guru
• professional
• scholar
• technician