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specialization - 5 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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Specialization

Spe`cial*i*za"tion\, n. 1. The act of specializing, or the state of being spezialized.

2. (Biol.) The setting apart of a particular organ for the performance of a particular function. --Darwin.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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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
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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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.

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