WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Spe`ci*al"i*ty
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [See Special, and Specialty.]
Definition : 1. A particular or peculiar case; a particularity. Sir M. Hale.

2. (Law)

Defn: See Specialty, 3.

3. The special or peculiar mark or characteristic of a person or thing; that for which a person is specially distinguished; an object of special attention; a special occupation or object of attention; a specialty. On these two general heads all other specialities are depedent. Hooker. Strive, while improving your one talent, to enrich your whole capital as a man. It is in this way that you escape from the wretched narrow- mindedness which is the characteristic of every one who cultivates his speciality. Ld. Lytton. We 'll say, instead, the inconsequent creature man, -For that'a his speciality. Mrs. Browning. Think of this, sir, . . . remote from the impulses of passion, and apart from the specialities -- if I may use that strong remark -- of prejudice. Dickens.

4. An attribute or quality peculiar to a species.

pl. Specialities.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913