Which concept describes a specialized language used within a specific field?

The term that describes a specialized language used within a specific field is jargon. Jargon consists of the technical terms and expressions that are particular to a profession, industry, or group. It allows individuals in that field to communicate more effectively and precisely with one another, often conveying complex ideas succinctly without the need for extensive explanation.

For instance, in the medical field, terms like "hypertension" or "myocardial infarction" are examples of jargon that carry specific meanings understood by healthcare professionals but may not be familiar to the general public. By using jargon, experts can share information efficiently, although it can sometimes create a barrier to understanding for those outside the field.

In contrast, denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, metaphor involves a figure of speech used to illustrate an idea through comparison, and irony is a rhetorical device where the intended meaning contrasts with the literal meaning. Each of these concepts serves different purposes in language, but they do not specifically describe a field-specific language like jargon does.