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noun Uncommon

infirmary

ihn-FMUH-ree

Infirmary (noun) means a place where sick or injured people are treated, especially a small hospital or clinic. Example: “The player was taken to the school infirmary after twisting his ankle.”

noun
1
A place where sick or injured people are treated, especially a small hospital or clinic.
"The player was taken to the school infirmary after twisting his ankle."
"The prison infirmary was understaffed and overcrowded."

How to use infirmary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small hospital or medical unit within a larger institution, like a school or prison.

Common pairings
school infirmary taken to the infirmary infirmary ward

Word forms

infirmaries plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The player was taken to the school _____ after twisting his ankle.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin infirmaria, built on infirmus ("weak, sick").

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for infirmary

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Frequently asked questions

What does “infirmary” mean?

The word “infirmary” means a place where sick or injured people are treated, especially a small hospital or clinic. In plain terms, a small hospital or medical unit within a larger institution, like a school or prison.

How do you pronounce “infirmary”?

“Infirmary” is pronounced ihn-FMUH-ree (/ɪnˈfɝməɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “infirmary” in a sentence?

Here is “infirmary” used in a sentence: “The player was taken to the school infirmary after twisting his ankle.”

What part of speech is “infirmary”?

“Infirmary” is a noun.

Where does the word “infirmary” come from?

The word “infirmary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin infirmaria, built on infirmus ("weak, sick").

Is “infirmary” a common word?

“Infirmary” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial