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

Instead, Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general at the time, ordered all but a handful requiring specialized medical treatment be housed in the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So far, the new tax policy has been used by around 5,000 people who have moved to Italy, estimates Maisto e Associati, an Italian law firm that specializes in tax law.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Drug companies are in need of more specialized storage and shipping services from companies such as Cardinal, as they increasingly sell complex drugs like cell and gene therapies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The semiconductor supply chain is vulnerable to actions like China’s because large chip plants require big capital investments from an ecosystem of companies providing specialized equipment, intricate technical processes and final packaging.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Myriad federal and state campaign-finance laws already regulate political activity, and separate specialized agencies, including the Federal Election Commission, administer those laws.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• train