noun Uncommon

ob

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Ob (noun) means a short informal way of saying "observation," especially in medical or scientific settings. Example: “The nurse put the patient under ob for a few hours after surgery.”

noun

A short informal way of saying "observation," especially in medical or scientific settings.

"The nurse put the patient under ob for a few hours after surgery."

A shortened form of "objection," as used in debate or argument.

"He raised an ob to the new proposal before the vote even started."

How to use ob

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA clipped, informal short form used mainly for "observation" or "objection" depending on context.

When to use it

Jargon-like shorthand — common in medical charts and debate slang, not standard writing.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: obs

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The nurse put the patient under _____ for a few hours after surgery.

Etymology

From Latin ob, originally an abbreviation of obolus, a small ancient coin; the modern shortened senses (observation, objection) are simply clipped forms of the longer English words.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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obstetrics tocology midwifery

Related words

midwifery obstetrics tocology

Frequently asked questions

What does “ob” mean?

The word “ob” means a short informal way of saying "observation," especially in medical or scientific settings. In plain terms, a clipped, informal short form used mainly for "observation" or "objection" depending on context.

How do you pronounce “ob”?

“Ob” is pronounced ob (/ɒb/ in IPA).

How do you use “ob” in a sentence?

Here is “ob” used in a sentence: “The nurse put the patient under ob for a few hours after surgery.”

What part of speech is “ob”?

“Ob” is a noun.

Where does the word “ob” come from?

The word “ob” comes from Latin. From Latin ob, originally an abbreviation of obolus, a small ancient coin; the modern shortened senses (observation, objection) are simply clipped forms of the longer English words.

Is “ob” a common word?

“Ob” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “ob” have?

“Ob” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short informal way of saying "observation," especially in medical or scientific settings.

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midwifery obstetrics tocology