specialize
[ spesh-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈspɛʃ əˌlaɪz /
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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.
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Also especially British, spe·cial·ise .
OTHER WORDS FROM specialize
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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
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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.