specialist

American  

[spesh-uh-list] / ˈspɛʃ ə lɪst /

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.

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specialist British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of specialist

First recorded in 1855–60; special + -ist

Example Sentences

"We've got to see how it goes over the next few weeks. Obviously that's down to the specialists and stuff, but I'm not in the gym training at the moment," he said.

From BBC

Despite an initial refusal to engage in the conversation with a specialist nurse, his mother, Nadine, recalled how he had previously discussed organ donation while applying for a motorcycle licence.

From BBC

While there have been some glimpses of attacking intent, former Scotland and British and Irish Lions defence coach Tandy will be especially concerned with his specialist area.

From BBC

The Welsh government said its specialist advice service Business Wales was committed to supporting female entrepreneurs.

From BBC

Her role as a community behavioral-health specialist involved building relationships, advocating for clients and helping them access essential services, said Marcie Vaughan, Seneca’s president and chief executive officer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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