n.
Pronunciation: ' spe-sh( ə -)list
Function: noun
Date: 1855
1 : one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or branch of learning
2 : an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal also : any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant first class
3 : an organism (as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat
– specialist or spe · cial · is · tic \ ˌ spe-sh ə - ' lis-tik \ adjective