special

Etymology

From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin speciālis (from speciēs). Displaced native Old English synderlīċ. Doublet of especial.

adj

1. Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.
   a special episode of a television series
   EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL An empty and meaningless sentiment. What about every adult? Isn't every adult special? And if not, then at what age does a person go from being special to being not-so-special? And if every adult is also special, then that means all people are special and the idea has no meaning. 2004, George Carlin, “PLEASE DON'T SAY THAT”, in When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?, New York: Hyperion Books, →OCLC, →OL, page 132
2. Of particular personal interest or value; dear; beloved.
   Everyone is special to someone.
   1. Allowed to break rules that apply to others; unpunishable.
      Why are you standing up in your seat? What are you, special?
3. (euphemistic) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.
   special education, special needs
   He goes to a special school.
4. (by extension, derogatory, often offensive) Stupid, lacking intelligence.
   What do you mean, you don't understand the sign? What are you, special?
5. Constituting or relating to a species.
   The seven dark spots is a special property unique to Coccinella septempunctata.
6. Chief in excellence.
7. (military) Of or related to unconventional warfare.
   special forces, special operations

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. One of a rotation of meals systematically offered for a lower price at a restaurant.
   Today's special is our tuna melt on rye.
3. (broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series.
   Did you see the Christmas special?
4. (Britain, colloquial) A special constable.
   And you can't trust a "Special" like the old-time copper when you can't find your way home. 1919, Fred W. Leigh,Charles Collins (lyrics and music), “My Old Man”performed by Marie Lloyd
5. Anything that is not according to normal practice, plan, or schedule, as an unscheduled run of transportation that is normally scheduled.
   Thousands came to see the special that carried the President's coffin.
6. Any unlicensed medicine produced or obtained for a specific individual patient.
7. (journalism) A correspondent; a journalist sent to the scene of an event to report back.
8. (journalism) A dispatch sent back by a special correspondent.
9. (theater) A light that illuminates a specific person or thing on the stage.
   In addition to followspots, there will be three frontlight specials on Autoyokes hung on the truss to provide frontlight specials. 2009, Steven Shelley, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, page 132
   The first is a special—a single lighting instrument that lights a particular spot on the stage. Specials generally have no color, or a more saturated color, allowing them to stand out through other lighting onstage. 2009, Jennifer Bringle, Lighting, page 23
10. (law) A person appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue.
    For the few times the U.S. Supreme Court has to actually try a case, they will appoint a special master to do so.
    After the Watergate break in, a special prosecutor was appointed.

verb

1. (nursing) To supervise a patient one-on-one.
   We have not sent our pupils out on private duty except a very few times, but they have an unusual amount of specialing to do inside. 1905, Shadyside Hospital (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Annual Report, page 27
   Participant three described their personal interest in mental health care: “I have an interest in mental health but I have found that other staff on the surgical ward who have been there for a while… often say I hate specialling these patients…” July 7, 2015, Jo-Ann Giandinoto, Karen-leigh Edward, “The phenomenon of co-morbid physical and mental illness in acute medical care: the lived experience of Australian health professionals”, in BMC Research Notes, volume 8, →DOI