Definition of speciality

The word "speciality" is derived from the Middle French word "specialité" which in turn comes from the Latin word "specialis" meaning "singular, specific, distinct, peculiar." This Latin root can also be found in the English words "special" and "specific." In the 14th century, the Old French word "espece" was used to refer to articles of trade, items of particular quality, or goods that were sold in specific places. The word "espece" was also used to describe finished products or goods that were superior to their raw materials. By the 15th century, "speciallite" replaced "espece" in the French language, and this new word meant "a special product, a commodity, or a distinctive object or branch of an industry." In the English language, the spelling "speciality" was used until the mid-20th century because it was believed at the time that words with the "y" suffix were more elegant and proper. However, in modern English, the preferred spelling is "specialty" because it more accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word. Today, the term "speciality" is used to refer to a specific branch or type of work, industry, product, or service within a larger field or profession. For example, a surgeon may have a speciality in neurosurgery, or a retailer may sell a speciality product such as luxury chocolates. In short, a speciality is a distinctive or exceptional aspect of something that sets it apart from others in its category.