noun

specialist

Someone with particular knowledge or skill in a specific area.

The museum hires a specialist to restore its oldest paintings.

Etymology

The adjective for a particular kind combines with a person-forming ending. A specialist concentrates expertise on a defined area.

More examples

  • My doctor refers me to a heart specialist.
  • Two security specialists check the software for weaknesses.
  • A soil specialist explains why our vegetables grow poorly.

Forms

specialist · specialists

specialize verb — To concentrate on a particular field.

specialization noun — The development of expertise in one field.

Similar words

expert
Emphasizes a high level of skill, not necessarily specialization.
authority
Emphasizes recognized expertise and trusted judgment in a field.