WordWeb Online

1. Developed or designed for a special activity or function
   "a specialized tool";
   - specialised [Brit]

1. Become more focused on an area of activity or field of study
   "She specializes in Near Eastern history";
   - specialise [Brit], narrow, narrow down
    
2. Be specific about
   - specify, particularize, particularise [Brit], specialise [Brit]
    
3. Suit to a special purpose
   "specialize one's research"; "this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches";
   - specialise [Brit]
    
4. Devote oneself to a special area of work
   "She specializes in honey bees"; "This baker specializes in French bread";
   - specialise [Brit]
    
5. Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
   - speciate, differentiate, specialise [Brit]

See also: differentiated, special, specialistic, specific

Type of: alter, change, dilate, elaborate, enlarge, evolve, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate [archaic], modify, vary, work

Antonym: unspecialised [Brit]

Encyclopedia: Specialized