Verb: specialize 'spe-shu,lIz
- Become more focused on an area of activity or field of study
"She specializes in Near Eastern history";
- specialise [Brit], narrow, narrow down
- Devote oneself to a special area of work
"She specializes in honey bees"; "This baker specializes in French bread";
- specialise [Brit]
- Suit to a special purpose
"specialize one's research"; "this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches";
- specialise [Brit]
- Be specific about
"She specialized her request by listing exact requirements";
- specify, particularize, particularise [Brit], specialise [Brit]
- Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
"The isolated population began to specialize over time";
- speciate, differentiate, specialise [Brit]
Derived forms: specialized, specializing, specializes
Type of: alter, change, dilate, elaborate, enlarge, evolve, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate [archaic], modify, vary, work
Encyclopedia: Specialize