specialized

[ spesh-uh-lahyzd ]

adjective

1. invested with a special character or restricted to a special function or field of activity:

   He campaigned for a specialized burn department to be established at the hospital.

   The humanities, once a highly specialized pursuit, have rapidly become a much broader conversation.

2. Biology. (of an organism or organ) adapted to a special function or environment:

   If the coastal sage scrub were to vanish, so would these specialized species of insects that are dependent on it.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of specialize.

Other Words From

• non·spe·cial·ized especially British, non·spe·cial·ised adjective
• o·ver·spe·cial·ized especially British, o·ver·spe·cial·ised adjective
• un·spe·cial·ized especially British, un·spe·cial·ised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialized¹

specialize ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Transcription initiation sites are locations in the DNA where a specialized transcription-factor protein can attach and then build an mRNA copy of the gene in front of it.

From Science Daily

Fibroblasts are specialized cells in connective tissues that play an important role in wound healing and tissue repair.

From Science Daily

“Law enforcement professionals investigating these types of egregious crimes have specialized training and follow specific protocols to ensure a proper investigation, evidence preservation, and public safety,” the release said.

From Los Angeles Times

Color occurs because our eyes are equipped with rods and cones — specialized light-absorbing cells in the retina at the back of the eye.

From Salon

McDonnell has years of organizational charts in his office, and the number of people on the commanders’ chart has grown with more specialized responsibilities.

From Los Angeles Times