Skip to main content
subspecialty

subspecialty

2 6.9
A smaller, more focused area within a larger field of study or work
  • noun
  • /ˌsʌbˈspɛʃəlti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subespecialidad
  • In programs emphasizing subspecialty training, how does the work of their graduates reflect that training?
  • surgical subspecialty
  • various subspecialties
  • subspecialty programs

That was part of my subspecialty as a neurologist working with Holocaust survivors, working with survivors of other profound violence.

Examples

  • The majority of students indicated they receive significantly less plastic surgery teaching than all other surgical subspecialties.

    Academic text (2015)
  • But essentially these diseases encompass all of the subspecialties that we deal with.

  • It's kind of a subspecialty that is certainly worth pursuing.

  • The ability of school psychology to remain a subspecialty of American psychology was a major focus of concern.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Since then, the subspecialty has grown and begun to take on the trappings of a recognized field.

    Academic text (2009)
  • However, the program continues to graduate generalists trained across several areas with a rather limited subspecialty in school psychology.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Geriatric otolaryngology is an emerging medical subspecialty developed in response to a pressing societal need.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Collaborate and consult with subspecialty disciplines in planning for patient care and/or transitions across a continuum of care.

    Academic text (2017)
  • I have a specialty in pathology and a subspecialty in forensic pathology, as you've already stipulated, Mr. Coldwell.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • After completing my residency in medicine, I chose to focus on a subspecialty in pediatric cardiology.

Synonyms

specialty
vssubspecialty
  • US
205 4.3

An area of work or study that someone knows a lot about

is the focused area within a larger field, not a personal reputation
specialization
vssubspecialty
  • US
13 4.1

A particular area of work or study that someone focuses on

refers only to the focused area rather than the learning process
subfield
vssubspecialty
1 4.6

A smaller area of a subject that studies a specific topic

is a general term for a specialized area within a broader field
subdiscipline
vssubspecialty
  • Specialized
1 7.0

A smaller area of study or work within a larger subject

is used for any specialized area in study or professional work
specialism
vssubspecialty
  • UK
1 7.4

A particular area of study or work someone focuses on

is the area itself rather than the person's focus or practice

How Specialized

subspecialty
  • Specialized
2 6.9
specialty
  • US
205 4.3
field
2.9
discipline
102 4.9

Surface Forms

subspecialty singular

Morphology

subspecialty = specialty (transparent) = sub + specialty

The word is formed by adding the productive prefix 'sub-' to 'specialty' to indicate a narrower or subordinate field, which is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

Subspecialty joins sub- 'under' and specialty 'an area of special skill', with sub- like in submarine and specialty like 'special' or 'specialist'. So a subspecialty is a smaller, more focused field inside a larger profession, for example a doctor who only treats children's heart problems.