1. (

• specialize ,
• specialise

) devote oneself to a special area of work; "She specializes in honey bees"; "This baker specializes in French bread" ;

2. (

• specify ,
• particularize ,
• particularise ,
• specialize ,
• specialise

) be specific about; "Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?" ;

3. (

• specialize ,
• specialise ,

) suit to a special purpose; "specialize one's research"; "this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches" ;

4. (

• specialize ,
• specialise ,
• narrow ,
• narrow_down ,

) become more focused on an area of activity or field of study; "She specializes in Near Eastern history" ;

5. (

• speciate ,
• differentiate ,
• specialize ,
• specialise ,

) evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment ;