ˈspeʃəlaɪz 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.). øøspecialization n. [F sp÷cialiser (as SPECIAL)]