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

Trade specialists say it is likely to be lengthy.

From The Wall Street Journal

These planes are typically used by US Air Force Special Operations Command for reconnaissance and other specialist missions.

From BBC

While she welcomed a £3bn investment from government to increase specialist places, Woodley said it would take time to roll out and ensure support was "happening in the right place at the right time".

From BBC

This includes "ensuring suitable facilities and access to specialist equipment where needed", the NHS spokesperson added.

From BBC

The MoJ previously said the closure was temporary and the site had been made safe, adding it was working with specialist radon gas experts to "investigate whether we can reopen the prison safely".

From BBC

Related Words

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