1.NounAn issue taken by denying a particular part of the allegations.
2.NounAn issue that is different from the usual run of issues, usually because it is a theme issue: one in which the articles are unified by a theme. Some supplements are of this character, and whether such an issue is called a supplement or a special issue is determined by each journal's style.
3.AdjectiveNot of the usual type issued by an organization.
"The special forces in the area had some special issue weaponry in addition to the standard rifle and service pistol."