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adj Uncommon

veterinary

VEH-tihn-ree

Veterinary (adj) means relating to the medical treatment of animals. Example: “She studies veterinary medicine at university.”

adj
1
Relating to the medical treatment of animals.
"She studies veterinary medicine at university."

How to use veterinary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes anything to do with treating or caring for animals medically.

Common pairings
veterinary medicine veterinary clinic veterinary surgeon

Word forms

more veterinary comparative, veterinaries plural, most veterinary superlative

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Test yourself on “veterinary” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She studies _____ medicine at university.

Etymology

From Latin veterinarius, tied to the care of cattle and other working animals.

Origin: Latin

animal-related zoological

Related words

Rhymes for veterinary

See all rhymes for veterinary →

Frequently asked questions

What does “veterinary” mean?

The word “veterinary” means relating to the medical treatment of animals. In plain terms, describes anything to do with treating or caring for animals medically.

How do you pronounce “veterinary”?

“Veterinary” is pronounced VEH-tihn-ree (/ˈvɛtəɹɪnɛɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “veterinary” in a sentence?

Here is “veterinary” used in a sentence: “She studies veterinary medicine at university.”

What part of speech is “veterinary”?

“Veterinary” is an adjective.

Where does the word “veterinary” come from?

The word “veterinary” comes from Latin. From Latin veterinarius, tied to the care of cattle and other working animals.

Is “veterinary” a common word?

“Veterinary” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between veterinary and medical?

Veterinary relates specifically to the medical treatment of animals, while medical (in its general sense) most often refers to the treatment of human health, though it can apply more broadly. A veterinary clinic treats animals, whereas a medical clinic typically treats people.

What is a veterinary technician?

A veterinary technician is a trained professional who assists veterinarians with animal medical care, such as taking samples, administering medication, and supporting procedures, similar to how a nurse supports a doctor.

Can veterinary be used as a noun?

No, veterinary is an adjective describing something related to animal medicine, such as 'veterinary care' or 'veterinary school.' The person who practices it is called a veterinarian or vet, not a 'veterinary.'

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial