specialize
Americanverb (used without object)
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to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty.
The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.
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Biology. (of an organism or one of its organs) to be adapted to a special function or environment.
verb (used with object)
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to render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.
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to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.
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to restrict payment of (a negotiable instrument) by endorsing over to a specific payee.
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to specify; particularize.
verb
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(intr) to train in or devote oneself to a particular area of study, occupation, or activity
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(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
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(tr) to modify or make suitable for a special use or purpose
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(tr) to mention specifically; specify
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(tr) to endorse (a commercial paper) to a specific payee
Other Word Forms
- nonspecializing adjective
- overspecialize verb
- prespecialize verb (used without object)
- specialization noun
- subspecialize verb
- superspecialize verb (used without object)
- unspecializing adjective
Etymology
Origin of specialize
From the French word spécialiser, dating back to 1605–15; special, -ize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some have made big money mimicking the trades of potential insiders with specialized software that can instantly copy the moves of any trader on Polymarket, which posts all of its transactions to the blockchain.
From Barron's
To solve this problem, the team designed a specialized supramolecular catalyst.
From Science Daily
Alberto Escorcia, a journalist specialized in social media, identified three groups that disseminated false information tied to the wave of violence.
From Barron's
IonQ has been on an acquisition spree, snapping up companies specializing in atomic clocks to quantum sensors and, most recently, semiconductors.
From Barron's
Releford later moved to Los Angeles, where, as a podiatric surgeon specializing in amputation prevention and limb preservation in high-risk populations, he saw firsthand how diet shapes long-term outcomes.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
