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.
"The talented artist quickly became fluent in English, found work at a pizzeria and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant."
— Holly Yan, Suspect in Charlotte train stabbing that killed a Ukrainian refugee is charged with a federal crime. Here’s what we know (2025)
"Max used all his veterinary knowledge to save the goose stuck in the fence."
"She studies veterinary medicine at university."
"We took our injured cat to the veterinary surgery down the road."
"The farm employs a veterinary nurse to check the animals each week."
How to use veterinary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes anything to do with treating or caring for animals medically.
Common pairings
veterinary medicine
veterinary clinic
veterinary surgeon
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Word forms
- Plural
- veterinaries
- Comparative
- more veterinary
- Superlative
- most veterinary
Fill the gap
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She studies _____ medicine at university.
Etymology
From Latin veterinarius, tied to the care of cattle and other working animals.
Synonyms
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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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