Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun (used with a singular verb)
- the branch of medicine dealing with the diseases, debilities, and care of aged persons.
- the study of the physical processes and problems of aging; gerontology.
noun
- a physician who specializes in geriatric medicine
noun
- (functioning as singular) the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting older peopleCompare gerontology
coined 1909 by Austrian-born doctor Ignatz L. Nascher (1863-1944) in “New York Medical Journal” on the model of pediatrics (cf. -ics), from the same elements found in geriatric (q.v.). The correct formation would be gerontiatrics.
n.
- The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and problems specific to old age.
- The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the elderly.