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. ecology an organism that has special nutritional requirements and lives in a restricted habitat that provides these Compare generalist

Other Word Forms

• nonspecialist noun
• prespecialist noun
• subspecialist noun
• specialistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialist¹

First recorded in 1855–60; special + -ist

Example Sentences

Lenders - including some of the UK's biggest banks and specialist motor finance firms - have set aside more than £2bn for potential payouts already.

From BBC

"Those that prefer cold or survive on only a specialist diet are likely to be more affected."

From BBC

Throughout his time at a specialist school, Harry, who is non-verbal, enjoyed access to hydrotherapy — a form of physiotherapy involving exercise in a warm pool that helps with movement.

From BBC

He agreed with Mr Stewart that a key part of independent record shops' appeal was their specialist nature.

From BBC

It is working with various cyber security specialists and police to investigate, but the financial damage has already been done.

From BBC

Related Words

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