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Definition of veterinary

veterinary

/ˈvɛt.ər.ɪˌnɛr.i/
vet · er · i · nar · y
Plural:veterinaries
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veterinary Lexical Profile

veterinary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, or concerned with, the medical or surgical treatment of animals, especially domestic and farm animals.

Example

"She decided to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine after volunteering at the local animal shelter."

• noun

1

A person qualified to practice veterinary medicine; a veterinarian.

Example

"The farmer called the local veterinary to examine the sick calf."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for veterinary

Word Nuance & Usage

While "veterinary" is primarily used as an adjective (as in "veterinary medicine"), it is occasionally used as a noun to mean a veterinarian, though "veterinarian" or the informal "vet" is far more common in contemporary English.

• Nearby Words

vetch
veteran
veterinarian
veterinary
vetiver
vetluga
veto

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin veterinarius ("of or pertaining to beasts of burden"), derived from veterinae ("working animals" or "cattle"), possibly related to vetus ("old" or "experienced").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Veterinary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/veterinary
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