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

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 specialising

Specialising in history was an elastic activity, and might mean a few hours a week in which to read up political economy.
The Loom of Youth|Alec Waugh
The remarkable case of the Todas specialising in cattle rearing and dairy farming is another example.
Folklore as an Historical Science|George Laurence Gomme
But after him the names and the duties were specialised, though the specialising was incomplete.
The Expositor's Bible: The Book of the Twelve Prophets, Vol. I|George Adam Smith
Now he was specialising in foreign literature, and was said to be writing a thesis.
The Darling and Other Stories|Anton Chekhov

She's a specialised woman, specialising in womanhood, her sphere is the home.
Mr. Britling Sees It Through|H. G. Wells

British Dictionary definitions for specialising

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 Formsspecialization 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

Word Origin and History for specialising

specialize

1610s, "to indicate specially," from special + -ize. Sense of "engage in a special study or line of business" is first attested 1881; biological sense is from 1851. Related: Specialized; specializing.

Medicine definitions for specialising

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.