special

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spe·cial / ˈspeshəl/ • adj. better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual: they always made a special effort at Christmas. ∎  exceptionally good or precious: she's a very special person. ∎  belonging specifically to a particular person or place: we want to preserve our town's special character. ∎  designed or organized for a particular person, purpose, or occasion: we will return by special coaches. ∎  (of a subject) studied in particular depth. ∎  used to denote education for children with particular needs, esp. those with learning difficulties. ∎  Math. denoting a group consisting of matrices of unit determinant.• n. a thing, such as an event, product, or broadcast, that is designed or organized for a particular occasion or purpose: television's election night specials. ∎  a dish not on the regular menu at a restaurant but served on a particular day. ∎ inf. a product or service offered at a temporarily reduced price.PHRASES: on special available for sale at a reduced price: they have hamburger buns on special today.DERIVATIVES: spe·cial·ness n.

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