Definition of: special

(spesh′əl) adjective
1. Having some peculiar or distinguishing characteristic or characteristics; out of the ordinary; uncommon; particular.
2. Designed for or assigned to a specific purpose; limited or specific in range, aim, or purpose.
3. Of or pertaining to, constituting, or designating a species; specific; distinguishing; differential.
4. Unique; singular; exceptional.
5. Extra or additional, as a dividend.
6. Intimate; esteemed; beloved: a special favorite. See synonyms under PARTICULAR.
—noun
1. A person or thing made, detailed for, or appropriated to a specific service or occasion, as a train, a newspaper edition, etc.
2. A featured dish or course in a restaurant or cafeteria.
3. A temporary sale.
4. A television show that is not regularly scheduled but is produced for a single presentation. [<OF especial <L specialis <species kind, species]
—spe′cial·ly adverb