v.
Pronunciation: ' spe-sh ə - ˌ l ī z
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -ized ; -iz · ing
Date: 1613
transitive verb
1 : to make particular mention of : PARTICULARIZE
2 : to apply or direct to a specific end or use < specialized their study>
intransitive verb
1 : to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice
2 : to undergo specialization especially : to change adaptively