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specialization

 - 7 dictionary results

spe⋅cial⋅ize

  [spesh-uh-lahyz] verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.
Use specialization in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
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)
3. to render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.
4. to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.
5. to restrict payment of (a negotiable instrument) by endorsing over to a specific payee.
6. to specify; particularize.
Also, especially British, spe⋅cial⋅ise.

Origin:
1605–15; < F spécialiser. See special, -ize

Related forms:
spe⋅cial⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To specialization
spe·cial·i·za·tion   (spěsh'ə-lĭ-zā'shən)   
n.  

  1. The act of specializing or the process of becoming specialized.

  2. Biology

    1. Adaptation, as of an organ or organism, to a specific function or environment.

    2. A character, feature, or organism resulting from such adaptation.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

specialize 
1616, "to indicate specially," from special (q.v.). Sense of "engage in a special study or line of business" is first attested 1881; biological sense is from 1851. Specialzation is recorded from 1843. Specialist is first attested 1856 (originally in the medical sense).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: spe·cial·iza·tion
Pronunciation: "spesh-(&-)l&-'zA-sh&n
Variant: also British spe·cial·isa·tion /"spesh-&-"lI-/
Function: noun
1 : a making or becoming specialized <specialization in pediatrics>
2 a : structuraladaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment b : a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Main Entry: spe·cial·ize
Variant: also British spe·cial·ise /'spesh-&-"lIz/
Function: intransitive verb
InflectedForms: -ized also British -ised; -iz·ing also British -is·ing
1 : to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity orfield : become or be a specialist <specialize in anesthesiology>
2 : to undergo evolutionary specialization
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

specialization spe·cial·i·za·tion (spěsh'ə-lĭ-zā'shən)
n.

  1. The act of specializing.

  2. A specialty.

  3. Adaptation, as of an organ or organism, to a specific function or environment.

  4. See differentiation.

specialize spe·cial·ize (spěsh'ə-līz')
v. spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing, spe·cial·iz·es

  1. To limit one's profession to a particular specialty or subject area for study, research, or treatment.

  2. 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.
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