noun

• 1The process of concentrating on and becoming expert in a particular subject or skill.

  ‘the division and specialization of labour’

  More example sentences

  • ‘a period of increasing specialization in the field of medicine’
  • ‘They are reversing the trend toward specialization, finding instead that broadening their options is helping them compete.’
  • ‘In our age of increased specialization, Smith demonstrates the unexpected energy that is generated from the synthesis of disciplines.’
  • ‘This shows that specialisation in education should occur on the basis of demonstrable abilities.’
  • ‘The current mechanisms have encouraged intensification and specialisation of farming methods.’
  • ‘We will take account both of your previous qualifications and of the nature of your preferred area of specialisation.’

  1. 1.1count noun A particular area which someone concentrates on or is an expert in.
     ‘an academic whose specialization was Romantic literature’
     More example sentences

     • ‘a biologist and ecologist with a specialization in butterflies’
     • ‘I spent two years looking for a job in my specialisation.’
     • ‘Our specialization includes sustainable practices and materials, so we have been very busy.’
     • ‘His specialization in finite element analysis led him to start his own company.’
     • ‘Many physicians in these specializations have a desire to collaborate with psychotherapists.’
     • ‘One of the specializations we know least about is marquetry.’
  2. 1.2Biology The adaptation of an organ or part to serve a special function or to suit a particular way of life.
     ‘the way different muscles are constructed allows for specialization of function’
     More example sentences

     • ‘bats show elegant physiological specializations in the auditory sphere’
     • ‘A prerequisite for plant specialization is that differences among pollinators eventually translate into differential plant reproductive success.’
     • ‘Trade-offs in fitness on different host plants has been a central hypothesis in explaining the evolutionary specialization of herbivores.’
     • ‘Such a study would be a fruitful avenue to study the evolution of diet specialization.’
     • ‘They describe the nature of clonal habitat specialization in this species.’
     • ‘The earliest structures interpreted as feathers do not show aerodynamic specializations, as they lack vanes and don't form an aerofoil.’