special (n.)

  1. a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising; they are having a special on pork chops'

  2. a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant

  3. a television production that features a particular person or work or topic; the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight'

    special (adj.)

  1. unique or specific to a person or thing or category; the particular demands of the job; has a particular preference for Chinese art; a peculiar bond of sympathy between them; an expression peculiar to Canadians; rights peculiar to the rich; the special features of a computer; my own special chair

    [ Syn: particular , peculiar ]

  2. for a special service or occasion; a special correspondent; a special adviser to the committee; had to get special permission for the event'

  3. surpassing what is common or usual or expected; he paid especial attention to her; exceptional kindness; a matter of particular and unusual importance; a special occasion; a special reason to confide in her; whats so special about the year 2000?

    [ Syn: especial , exceptional , particular ]

  4. adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose; a special kind of paint; a special medication for arthritis'

  5. having a specific function or scope; a special (or specific) role in the mission

    [ Syn: limited ]

  6. first and most important; his special interest is music; she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work

    [ Syn: particular ]

  7. added to a regular schedule; a special holiday flight; put on special buses for the big game

    [ Syn: extra ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.