specialize
Use Specialize in a sentence
əˌlaɪz verb (used without object)
1.
to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty: The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.
2.
verb (used with object)
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.
00:10
Specialize
is always a great word to know.
So is selection. Does it mean:
| a mass of protoplasm found in most cells, directing their growth, metabolism, reproduction, and functioning in the transmission of genic characters |
| a process that results in differential reproduction among a population so that the inheritable traits of only certain individuals are passed on |
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To specialize
Collins
World English Dictionary
specialize or specialise (ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 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 |
| specialise or specialise | |
| —vb | |
| speciali'zation or specialise | |
| —n | |
| speciali'sation or specialise | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
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, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
specialize spe·cial·ize (spěsh'ə-līz')
v. spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing, spe·cial·iz·es
To limit one's profession to a particular specialty or subject area for study, research, or treatment.
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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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Example sentences
Most also specialize in other forms of water treatment, such as wastewater treatment or water purification.
Operate in multiple countries and specialize in road cycling and/or mountain biking.
Eateries usually specialize in one type of food, often depicted in photographs outside.
There's nothing wrong with a writer wanting to specialize in particular subjects.
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