specialize

[ spesh-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈspɛʃ əˌlaɪz /
SEE 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.

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.
Also especially British, spe·cial·ise .

Origin of specialize

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

OTHER WORDS FROM specialize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to specialize

train, pursue, practice, be into, go in for, have a weakness for, work in, do one's thing

Example sentences from the Web for specialize

British Dictionary definitions for specialize

specialize

specialise

/ (ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz) /

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

Derived forms of specialize

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

Medical definitions for specialize

specialize
[ spĕsh′ə-līz′ ]

v.

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.