specialize
/ˈspɛʃ(ə)lʌɪz
/(also specialise)
verb [no object]
1Concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill: he could specialize in tropical medicine...
- You can specialize in computer skills.
- Men frequently specialize in agriculture-related subjects.
- The other team members have a number of skills they specialize in.
1.1Confine oneself to providing a particular product or service: the firm specialized in commercial brochures...
- There is an online service that specialized in printing and designing birth announcements.
- It is expected that after an investment boost it will become specialized in TV production.
- It was an old established facility that specialized in caring for Servicemen.
1.2Make a habit of engaging in a particular activity: a group of writers have specialized in attacking the society they live in
1.3 [with object] Biology Adapt or set apart (an organ or part) to serve a special function or to suit a particular way of life: zooids specialized for different functions...
- Fender's blue larvae have specialized glands that produce secretions rich in carbohydrates and amino acids that ants use as food.
- Both people and papayas have specialized chromosomes that carry genes that determine the gender of their offspring.
Origin
Early 17th century: from French spécialiser, from spécial 'special'.