specialize
[ spesh-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈspɛʃ əˌlaɪz /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZ
TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS
Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”
Question 1 of 7
What does "dignity" mean?
Also especially British, spe·cial·ise .
OTHER WORDS FROM specialize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use specialize in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for specialize
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 of specialize
specialization or specialisation, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for specialize
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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.