noun
- the branch of science that deals with aging and the problems of aged persons.
noun
- the scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with older peopleCompare geriatrics
1941, from gerontology + -ist.
1903, coined in English from Greek geron (genitive gerontos) “old man,” from PIE root *gere- “to become ripe, grow old” (cf. Sanskrit jara “old age,” jarati “makes frail, causes to age;” Avestan zaurvan “old age;” Ossetic zarond “old man;” Armenian cer “old, old man”).
n.
- The scientific study of the biological, psychological, and sociological phenomena that are associated with old age and aging.
A medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the elderly.