specialize

Specialize is a verb meaning to concentrate on and become highly skilled in a particular area or activity, or to adapt something for a specific purpose or context. For example, a medical resident may specialize in cardiology, or a company may specialize its product line for a regional market.

The word comes from Latin specialis meaning "of a kind, particular," via Old French specialiser, entering English in the late medieval period.

In practice, specialization appears in several domains. Professionally, it denotes narrowing a career path to gain depth of expertise. Economically, it underpins the division of labor and comparative advantage, increasing efficiency but also interdependence. In biology, specialization refers to adaptation to a specific ecological niche or function, leading to distinct traits or roles within a community.

Related terms include specialist, specialization, and specialty.