Special

Pronunciation

• enPR: spĕʹshÉ™l, IPA: /ˈspÉ›.ʃəl/
• Rhymes: -ɛʃəl

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin specialis (from species, speciei). Used in English since the 13th century.

Full definition of special

Adjective

1. Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.a special episode of a television series
2. Of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored.Everyone is special to someone.
3. (euphemistic, derogatory) Retarded; mentally handicappedHe goes to a special school.
4. Constituting or relating to a species.The seven dark spots is a special property unique to Coccinella septempunctata.
5. Chief in excellence.
• ShakespeareThe king hath drawn
  The special head of all the land together.

Derived terms

Related terms

Noun

1. A reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered.We're running a special on turkey for Thanksgiving.
2. (broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series
3. (British, colloquial) A special constable.
4. Anything that is not according to normal practice, plan, or schedule, as an unscheduled run of transportation that is normally scheduled.Thousands came to the special that carried the President's coffin.
5. (video games) special move
• 1995, "Tony Pordon", Tekken Review PSX (on newsgroup rec.games.video.misc)Using the right moves, you can sometimes chain 2 specials in a row to form multiple hit combos.

Anagrams

• piacles
• plaices