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specialties - 2 dictionary results

spe⋅cial⋅ty

  [spesh-uhl-tee] noun, plural -ties, adjective
Use specialties in a Sentence
–noun
1. a special or distinctive quality, mark, state, or condition.
2. a special subject of study, line of work, area of interest, or the like: His specialty is art criticism.
3. an article or service particularly dealt in, rendered, manufactured, etc., or one to which the provider, dealer, or manufacturer claims to devote special care: The manufacturer's specialty is fine hats.
4. an article of unusual or superior design or quality.
5. a novelty; a new article.
6. an article with such strong consumer demand that it is at least partially removed from price competition.
7. a special or particular point, item, matter, characteristic, or peculiarity.
8. Law.
a. a special agreement, contract, etc., expressed in an instrument under seal.
b. a negotiable instrument not under seal.
–adjective
9. Theater. (in vaudeville)
a. performing or performed in a manner that is unusual or not customary for a type of act, esp. a performance involving dexterity or ingenuity, as a patter song: specialty actor; specialty act.
b. (of a song or dance) isolated from the rest of the show: specialty number.
Also, especially British, speciality.

Origin:
1300–50; ME specialte < MF especialte < LL speciālitās. See special, -ity

Synonyms:
3. trademark, stamp, badge, forte.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To specialties
spe·cial·ty   (spěsh'əl-tē)   
n.   pl. spe·cial·ties
  1. A special pursuit, occupation, aptitude, or skill. See Synonyms at forte1.
  2. A branch of medicine or surgery, such as cardiology or neurosurgery, in which a physician specializes; the field or practice of a specialist.
  3. A special feature or characteristic; a peculiarity.
  4. The state or quality of being special or distinctive.
  5. An item or a product of a distinctive kind or of particular superiority: French pastry is the chef's specialty.
  6. Law A special contract or agreement, especially a deed kept under seal.
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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