specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

2

a

: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Examples of specialization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For many topics, no specialization is necessary; ChatGPT itself can provide exactly what the user is looking for. —Jim Euchner, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

As the specialization emerged, so did the idea of having a physician for legal purposes determine the cause of death when foul play was known or suspected. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024

Every one of them has taken an area of specialization. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

The disappearance of the technological hurdles that once enforced specialization mirrored and anticipated the collapse of boundaries in artists’ professional lives. —Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specialization

• sub-specialization

Kids Definition

specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

2

a

: a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism changed by specialization

Medical Definition

specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​iza·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

variants also British specialisation

ˌspesh-ə-ˌlī- 

1

: a making or becoming specialized

specialization in pediatrics

2

a

: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment

b

: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization