specialize

[ spesh-uh-lahyz ]

/ ˈspɛʃ əˌlaɪz /

verb (used without object), spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing.

to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty: The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.

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.

to render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.

to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.

to restrict payment of (a negotiable instrument) by endorsing over to a specific payee.

to specify; particularize.

Nearby words

specialist, specialist registrar, specialistic, speciality, specialization, specialize, specialized, specially, specialty, speciate, speciation

Also especially British, spe·cial·ise.

Origin of specialize

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

Related forms

spe·cial·i·za·tion, nounnon·spe·cial·ized, adjectivenon·spe·cial·iz·ing, adjectiveo·ver·spe·cial·ize, verb, o·ver·spe·cial·ized, o·ver·spe·cial·iz·ing.

pre·spe·cial·ize, verb (used without object), pre·spe·cial·ized, pre·spe·cial·iz·ing.sub·spe·cial·ize, verb, sub·spe·cial·ized, sub·spe·cial·iz·ing.su·per·spe·cial·ize, verb (used without object), su·per·spe·cial·ized, su·per·spe·cial·iz·ing.un·spe·cial·ized, adjectiveun·spe·cial·iz·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for specialise

She was not a bit like the polite young lady above, who seemed to specialise in noisy tipplers.
The Pretty Lady |Arnold E. Bennett
He is the very modern type in every modern country who does specialise in slang.
What I Saw in America|G. K. Chesterton
People must know what they want, and go to the shops which specialise in the particular article.
Meccania|Owen Gregory
I did not specialise individuals, possibly because Radley was one.
Tell England|Ernest Raymond

He is not even quite sure what he wants to specialise on, or if he wants to specialise at all.
The Squire's Daughter|Archibald Marshall

British Dictionary definitions for specialise

specialize

specialise

/ (ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(intr) to train in or devote oneself to a particular area of study, occupation, or activity

(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

(tr) to modify or make suitable for a special use or purpose

(tr) to mention specifically; specify

(tr) to endorse (a commercial paper) to a specific payee

Derived Forms

specialization or specialisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for specialise

specialize

[ spĕsh′ə-līz′ ]

v.

To limit one's profession to a particular specialty or subject area for study, research, or treatment.

To adapt to a particular function or environment.