Etimology
From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin speciālis (from speciēs). In this sense displaced native Old English synderlīċ. Doublet of especial.
adjective
special (comparative more special or specialer, superlative most special or specialest)
Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.
Of particular value or interest; dear; beloved.
(euphemistic) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.
Constituting or relating to a species.
(Can we verify(+) this sense?) Chief in excellence.
(military) Of or related to unconventional warfare.
(law) Appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue.
(euphemistic) Containing drugs, especially marijuana.
Examples
a special episode of a television series
her special blend of spices
Why are you standing up in your seat? What are you, special?
EVERY CHILD IS SPECIALAn 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.
Everyone is special to someone.
his special friend of many years, Bill
special education, special needs
He goes to a special school.
What do you mean, you don't understand the sign? What are you, special?
Synonym: specific
Having seven dark spots is a special property unique to Coccinella septempunctata.
The king hath drawn / The special head of all the land together.
special forces, special operations
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.
This book will help you to […] • Cook with the confidence that the neighbors won't find out your brownies are 'special' • Never again worry about getting caught growing because someone smelled your garden
Then with the rest of the money I use it to pay for the building, maintenance, utilities, up keep, and the special brownies! In addition, I have bongs that the parishioners can use if they forget to bring their own bongs for smoking.
“Jen, when someone offers you 'special' brownies or 'funny' brownies, they have pot in them. You're totally high right now.” Me, high? No way! No one ever offered the nerdy girl drugs. And I'd never, ever accept them.
“They're special brownies,” said Rosie. Special brownies! Of course they were special! They were perfect and delicious! What a great word to describe them! Rosie caught on that Lulu had not caught on. “Special brownies. Happy brownies. […] They're the ones that have weed in them.”
Related words
antonyms
(antonym(s) of "distinguished by a unique or unusual quality"): common, common-or-garden, everyday, nonspecial, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, usual
noun
special (plural specials)
A reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered.
One of a rotation of meals systematically offered for a lower price at a restaurant.
(broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series.
(British, colloquial) A special constable.
Anything that is not according to normal practice, plan, or schedule, as an unscheduled run of transportation that is normally scheduled.
Any unlicensed medicine produced or obtained for a specific individual patient.
(journalism) A correspondent; a journalist sent to the scene of an event to report back.
(journalism) A dispatch sent back by a special correspondent.
(theater) A light that illuminates a specific person or thing on the stage.
Examples
Synonym: offer
We're running a special on turkey for Thanksgiving.
Today's special is our tuna melt on rye.
Did you see the Christmas special?
And you can't trust a "Special" like the old-time copper when you can't find your way home.
Thousands came to see the special that carried the President's coffin.
In addition to followspots, there will be three frontlight specials on Autoyokes hung on the truss to provide frontlight specials.
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.
verb
special (third-person singular simple present specials, present participle specialing or specialling, simple past and past participle specialed or specialled)
(nursing) To supervise a patient one-on-one.
Examples
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.
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…”