specialize

[ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌspecialiˈzation, noun

Other Word Forms

• spe·cial·i·za·tion [spesh-, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• non·spe·cial·iz·ing adjective
• o·ver·spe·cial·ize verb overspecialized overspecializing
• pre·spe·cial·ize verb (used without object) prespecialized prespecializing
• sub·spe·cial·ize verb subspecialized subspecializing
• su·per·spe·cial·ize verb (used without object) superspecialized superspecializing
• un·spe·cial·iz·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specialize¹

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

Example Sentences

“We specialize in bringing older and timed out aircraft back to life,” the company said in a now deleted website advertising its services.

From Los Angeles Times

But right away, she was referred to Children’s Hospital’s Fetal-Maternal Center, which specializes in pregnancies with complex medical conditions, where she met Lakatos.

From Los Angeles Times

“Parents have never extended support of this scale and frequency before,” Dr. Michael Kane, a psychiatrist specialized in family medicine, told Salon in an email response to the survey.

From Salon

“We have building space we don’t pay rent for. There are the refrigeration services and the ventilation services we need to do our specialized work. Our indirect costs go to support that.”

From Los Angeles Times

The battery brining liquid is a hazardous waste product too and is trucked to another specialized facility, the agency said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• train