unspecialized

adjective

un·​spe·​cial·​ized ˌən-ˈspe-shə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce unspecialized (audio)
: not differentiated for a particular end or fitted for a particular purpose : not specialized
unspecialized cells
unspecialized conditions

Examples of unspecialized in a Sentence

preferred to have one unspecialized tool rather than buy 16 specialized ones
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studies over the past decade have suggested that treatment via pluripotent stem cells—a type of unspecialized cell that can develop into other types of cells—could lead to a cure, per the Independent’s Vishwam Sankaran. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024 Upon the completion of basic training, an individual's first assignment will be given about a week later as an unspecialized seaman or fireman. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 4 Aug. 2023 Therapeutic Cloning Stem cells, which are unspecialized and can renew themselves through cell division, are derived from a cloned embryo. Molly Glick, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2021 The phylogeny of Typhlochactidae challenges the conventional wisdom that ecological specialization (stenotopy) is unidirectional and irreversible, falsifying Cope's Law of the unspecialized and Dollo's Law of evolutionary irreversibility. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2010 Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can be manipulated into becoming mature cells with special functions. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 5 Sep. 2022 Stem cells are basic and unspecialized cells that can develop into more specialized cells, similar to a versatile raw ingredient that appears in many dishes. Michelle Shen, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2022 Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to develop into different cell types. Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 Nov. 2021 Researchers have known for decades that a group of unspecialized stem cells called neoblasts help planaria regenerate. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unspecialized was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near unspecialized

Cite this Entry

“Unspecialized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unspecialized. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!