specialize [spesh -uh -lahyz]
Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for specialize on Thesaurus.com 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. Show More
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. Show More
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 , noun non·spe·cial·ized , adjective non·spe·cial·iz·ing , adjective o·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 , adjective un·spe·cial·iz·ing , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for specialized Contemporary Examples of specialized Diagnosis of CTE is often considered to be specialized and has to occur at a designated institution like Boston University.
We saw the emergence of fashion designers who specialized in creating abayas.
But putting the specialized troops the Pentagon calls “Joint Terminal Air Controllers,” or JTACs, into combat comes with a cost.
Percy Heath, a merry fellow, specialized in leading the Reverend Professor Doctor astray and had a lot of fun with him.
I find faculty learning about their specific, specialized research areas, but also about the wider society and natural world.
Historical Examples of specialized When some women were specialized for motherhood then there were surplus women.
He does not seem to appreciate how specialized they are for pleasure.
There are other specialized products to which it could be well extended.
Plumules: specialized scales of the androconia of male Lepidoptera.
Individuals have specialized at the expense of a whole life.
British Dictionary definitions for specialized (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 Show More
Derived Forms specialization 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 specialized v. 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 .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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. Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
