specialize
Americanverb (used without object)
-
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)
-
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.
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
Other Word Forms
- nonspecializing adjective
- overspecialize verb
- prespecialize verb (used without object)
- specialization noun
- subspecialize verb
- superspecialize verb (used without object)
- unspecializing adjective
Etymology
Origin of specialize
From the French word spécialiser, dating back to 1605–15; special, -ize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It means a lot of chaos,” said Marc L. Busch, a Georgetown University professor specializing in international trade and business diplomacy.
If he had been given antibiotics or sent to the emergency room sooner, he “likely” would not have died,” according to a doctor who specializes in correctional health and reviewed the evidence.
From Salon
Inside cells, ions travel through specialized protein channels embedded in the cell membrane.
From Science Daily
Anthony DeBarros is a data news editor for The Wall Street Journal, specializing in analyzing data for stories and visuals on topics including international trade, the economy, politics and demographics.
Some lawyers with specialized skills are even more aggressively pushing the upper limit.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
