| / English Dictionary |
SPECIAL
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A television production that features a particular person or work or topic
Example:
the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("special" is a kind of...):
television program; television show; TV program; TV show (a program broadcast by television)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising
Example:
they are having a special on pork chops
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("special" is a kind of...):
offer; offering (something offered (as a proposal or bid))
Sense 3
Meaning:
A dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
Classified under:
Nouns denoting foods and drinks
Hypernyms ("special" is a kind of...):
dish (a particular item of prepared food)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected
Example:
what's so special about the year 2000?
Synonyms:
especial; exceptional; particular; special
Classified under:
Similar:
uncommon (not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind)
Derivation:
specialness (a distinguishing trait)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Having a specific function or scope
Example:
a special (or specific) role in the mission
Synonyms:
limited; special
Classified under:
Similar:
specific ((sometimes followed by 'to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique)
Derivation:
speciality (an asset of special worth or utility)
specialness (a distinguishing trait)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category
Example:
my own special chair
Synonyms:
particular; peculiar; special
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
specific ((sometimes followed by 'to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique)
Derivation:
specialness (a distinguishing trait)
Sense 4
Meaning:
For a special service or occasion
Example:
had to get special permission for the event
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
extraordinary (beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable)
Derivation:
specialness (a distinguishing trait)
Sense 5
Meaning:
First and most important
Example:
she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
Synonyms:
particular; special
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
primary (of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary)
Derivation:
speciality (an asset of special worth or utility)
specialness (a distinguishing trait)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose
Example:
a special medication for arthritis
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
specialised; specialized (developed or designed for a special activity or function)
Derivation:
specialness (a distinguishing trait)
Sense 7
Meaning:
Added to a regular schedule
Example:
put on special buses for the big game
Synonyms:
extra; special
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
unscheduled (not scheduled or not on a regular schedule)
Context examples:
The use of special strains of mice to study a human disease or condition, and how to prevent and treat it.
(Mouse model, NCI Dictionary)
A special subset of proteins whose roles are directly related to the function of muscle cells.
(Muscle Protein, NCI Thesaurus)
Anxiolysis is caused by special drugs and is used to help relieve anxiety during certain medical or surgical procedures.
(Anxiolysis, NCI Dictionary)
It holds special promise for a subset of patients, about 10 percent of the people with cystic fibrosis, who do not respond to any treatment.
(Scientists find new approach that shows promise for treating cystic fibrosis, National Institutes of Health)
Angiozyme is a special type of RNA made in the laboratory.
(Angiozyme, NCI Dictionary)
Exoelectrogens are a special type of bacteria that can transfer electrons outside of their cells.
(New Type of Battery Created from Paper, Fueled by Bacteria, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
For example, a special diet may be used instead of anticancer drugs as a treatment for cancer.
(Alternative medicine, NCI Dictionary)
Breast milk is known to have special carbohydrates that encourage the growth of Bifidobacterium.
(Gut Bacteria from Breastfeeding Linked to Improved Infant Response to Vaccines, U.S. Department of Agriculture)
A product that is made of special stem cells taken from a patient’s bone marrow and grown in the laboratory.
(autologous expanded mesenchymal stem cells OTI-010, NCI Dictionary)
It was on account of your special knowledge that Mr. Holmes desired to see you.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
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