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Pediatrics

pee-dee-A-triks /ˌpiːdiˈætrɪks/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalmedical

The branch of medicine dealing with children and their diseases.

Specifically refers to the medical specialty, encompassing the physical, mental, and social health of children from birth through adolescence.

The story behind the word. Our word 'pediatrics' comes from a delightful combination of ancient Greek terms. 'Pais' meant 'child' (think of 'pedagogue' as a 'child-leader'), and 'iatros' meant 'healer' or 'physician.' So, literally, a pediatrician is a 'child healer.' This medical specialty emerged as a distinct field in the 19th century, recognizing that children's bodies and diseases are not simply miniature versions of adults'.

Word relationships

child medicine: A more general, less formal term for the field.

geriatrics: The branch of medicine dealing with the health and care of old people.

Word family

pediatrician (noun): A medical doctor specializing in pediatrics.
pediatric (adjective): Relating to pediatrics or the medical care of children.

Collocations

pediatrics department
pediatrics resident
general pediatrics
pediatrics clinic

Example sentences

"The hospital's new wing is dedicated entirely to pediatrics, offering specialized care for young patients." The hospital's new wing is dedicated entirely to pediatrics, offering specialized care for young patients.
"Dr. Anya Sharma chose to specialize in pediatrics because she found working with children incredibly rewarding." Dr. Anya Sharma chose to specialize in pediatrics because she found working with children incredibly rewarding.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes guidelines for childhood vaccinations." The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes guidelines for childhood vaccinations.

Memory hook

Think of 'PEDI' like 'feet' (children often run on their feet) and 'ATRICS' sounds like 'treats' for kids. A doctor who 'treats' children's 'feet' (and everything else!). Pedi-Treats-Kids

When not to use

Do not use 'pediatrics' to refer to children themselves, or to general child-rearing advice outside a medical context.

Fun facts

The first dedicated children's hospital, Hôpital des Enfants Malades (Hospital for Sick Children), was founded in Paris in 1802.
The term 'pediatrics' was coined in the mid-19th century as the field began to formalize.

Related words

Infancy, Neonatal, Adolescence

Explore more words

adolescence, puberty, adolescent, orthopedics, radiology, genetics