vet
vet Lexical Profile
vet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medical professional qualified to diagnose and treat sick or injured animals; a veterinarian or veterinary surgeon.
"We took our dog to the vet for her annual vaccinations and health checkup."
North American A person who has served in the armed forces or who has extensive experience in a particular occupation or field; a veteran.
"As a seasoned industry vet, she offered valuable guidance to the newly hired engineers."
A clinic, hospital, or medical practice where animals receive veterinary care.
"She picked up the special prescription diet from the local vet on her way home."
• verb
To make a careful and critical examination of a person, document, or scheme to verify suitability, accuracy, or authenticity.
"All applicants are thoroughly vetted by the human resources department before receiving a job offer."
To examine or treat an animal medically (as a veterinarian).
"Each rescue horse is vetted and vaccinated upon arrival at the sanctuary."
• Rhymes for vet
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century as two separate shortenings: first as an abbreviation of 'veterinary surgeon' or 'veterinarian' (from Latin veterinarius, 'relating to beasts of burden'), from which the verb sense of examining carefully evolved (originally referring to a vet inspecting a horse before purchase); and separately in American English as a clipping of 'veteran' (from Latin veteranus, 'old, experienced').