specialize

• POS: Verb (intransitive), Verb (transitive)
• HYPHEN: spe=cial=ize

CIDE DICTIONARY

specialize, v. t. 

•  To mention specially; to particularize.  [1913 Webster]
•  To apply to some specialty or limited object; to assign to a specific use; as, specialized knowledge.  [1913 Webster]
•  To supply with an organ or organs having a special function or functions.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

specialize, v. (also -ise)
1 intr. (often foll. by in) a be or become a specialist (specializes in optics). b devote oneself to an area of interest, skill, etc. (specializes in insulting people).
2 Biol. a tr. (esp. in passive) adapt or set apart (an organ etc.) for a particular purpose. b intr. (of an organ etc.) become adapted etc. in this way.
3 tr. make specific or individual.
4 tr. modify or limit (an idea, statement, etc.).

Derivative

specialization n.

Etymology

F sp{eacute}cialiser (as SPECIAL)

THESAURUS

specialize

analyze, anatomize, assign, atomize, be into, be strong in, bound, change, chop logic, condition, confine, contain, copyright, denominate, descend to particulars, designate, desynonymize, detail, determine, difference, differentiate, discipline, discriminate, disequalize, disjoin, distinguish, diversify, divide, draw the line, enumerate, feature, fix, follow, go in for, hedge about, indicate, individualize, individuate, inventory, itemize, limit, list, major in, make a distinction, mark, mark off, mark out, mention, minor in, moderate, modify, name, narrow, particularize, patent, peculiarize, personalize, pick out, pin down, point out, precise, pursue, qualify, refine a distinction, register, restrain, restrict, scant, segregate, select, separate, set, set apart, set off, sever, severalize, signify, specialize in, specify, spell out, split hairs, state, stint, stipulate, straiten, vary

ROGET THESAURUS

specialize

Speciality

VB specify, particularize, individualize, realize, specialize, designate, determine, denote, indicate, point out, select, descend to particulars, enter into detail, go into detail, come to the point.