specialize

especially British, spe·cial·ise

[spesh-uh-lahyz]

verb (used without object)

specialized, specializing 

1. to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty.

   The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.

2. Biology.,  (of an organism or one of its organs) to be adapted to a special function or environment.

verb (used with object)

specialized, specializing 

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

2. to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.

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

4. to specify; particularize.

specialize

/ ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

2. (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

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

4. (tr) to mention specifically; specify

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

Other Word Forms

• specialization noun
• nonspecializing adjective
• overspecialize verb
• prespecialize verb (used without object)
• subspecialize verb
• superspecialize verb (used without object)
• unspecializing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialize¹

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

Example Sentences

As the No. 1 Test team in the world, they believe that Bazball is just a funny term for more entertaining cricket—something Australians have specialized in for a long time.

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This device uses a specialized microneedle system that delivers a therapeutic molecule directly into damaged heart tissue, encouraging healing while limiting effects on the rest of the body.

Read more on Science Daily

The specialized ETF was launched in September 2018 to exploit the short-term reversal effect, but wound up lagging the S&P 500 by almost 4 percentage points on an annualized basis.

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Dang’s company, KinhBac City, specializes in building industrial parks in Vietnam, but hotel projects the company has announced over the years failed to be developed.

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Our body's "blood factory" is made of highly specialized tissue containing bone cells, nerves, blood vessels and several other cell types.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• train