geriatrics

[ jer-ee-a-triks, jeer- ]
/ ˌdʒɛr iˈæ trɪks, ˌdʒɪər- /

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of medicine dealing with the diseases, debilities, and care of aged persons.
the study of the physical processes and problems of aging; gerontology.

Origin of geriatrics

First recorded in 1905–10; see origin at geriatric, -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM geriatrics

ger·i·a·tri·cian [jer-ee-uh-trish-uh n] /ˌdʒɛr i əˈtrɪʃ ən/, ger·i·at·rist, noun

Definition for geriatrics (2 of 2)

geriatric
[ jer-ee-a-trik, jeer- ]
/ ˌdʒɛr iˈæ trɪk, ˌdʒɪər- /

adjective

of or relating to geriatrics, old age, or aged persons.

noun

Slang. an old person.

Origin of geriatric

1925–30; < Greek gér(ōn) old man + iatric

Example sentences from the Web for geriatrics

British Dictionary definitions for geriatrics (1 of 2)

geriatrics
/ (ˌdʒɛrɪˈætrɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting older people Compare gerontology

usage for geriatrics

The term geriatric medicine is often used nowadays in preference to geriatrics

British Dictionary definitions for geriatrics (2 of 2)

geriatric
/ (ˌdʒɛrɪˈætrɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to geriatric medicine or to older people
offensive (of people or machines) old, obsolescent, worn out, or useless

noun

old-fashioned, offensive an elderly person
informal, offensive an older person considered as one who may be disregarded as senile or unable to look after his or her own best interests
See also psychogeriatric

Word Origin for geriatric

C20: from Greek gēras old age + iatric

Medical definitions for geriatrics (1 of 2)

geriatrics
[ jĕr′ē-ătrĭks ]

n.

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and problems specific to old age.

Other words from geriatrics

ger′i•a•trician (jĕr′ē-ə-trĭshən) n.

Medical definitions for geriatrics (2 of 2)

geriatric
[ jĕr′ē-ătrĭk ]

adj.

Of or relating to geriatrics.
Of or relating to old age or to the aging process.

n.

An old person.

Scientific definitions for geriatrics

geriatrics
[ jĕr′ē-ătrĭks ]

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the elderly.