veterinary

[ vet-er-uh-ner-ee, ve-truh- ]

noun

, plural vet·er·i·nar·ies.

1. a veterinarian.

adjective

1. of or relating to the medical and surgical treatment of animals, especially domesticated animals.

veterinary

/ ˈvɛtrɪnrɪ; ˈvɛtərɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to veterinary medicine

Other Words From

• non·veter·i·nary adjective noun plural nonveterinaries

Word History and Origins

Origin of veterinary¹

1780–90; < Latin veterīnārius, equivalent to veterīn ( ae ) beasts of burden (noun use of feminine plural of veterīnus pertaining to such beasts, equivalent to veter-, stem of vetus old, i.e., grown, able to take a load + -īnus -ine ¹ ) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of veterinary¹

C18: from Latin veterīnārius concerning draught animals, from veterīnae draught animals; related to vetus mature (hence able to bear a burden)

Example Sentences

Edinburgh Zoo's baby red panda has died from stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night, according to veterinary experts.

From BBC

Christiansen was also selected for the delayed Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 but had to withdraw because of a veterinary issue with her horse.

From BBC

“We are seeing the next wave, which will really help us,” said Dr. Will Farmer, who heads the Breeders’ Cup veterinary team.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are also collaborating with the pharmaceuticals and veterinary medicines industry via a UK cross-government platform for exchanging knowledge on pharmaceuticals in the environment.”

From BBC

Many dogs were sourced from out-of-state puppy mills, leaving some new owners with sick pets and costly veterinary bills.

From Los Angeles Times