kenny

IPA/kˈɛni/
KK[kˈɛnˌi]IPA/kˈɛnˌiː/

kenny — noun

1. Elizabeth Kenny (1880–1952), an Australian nurse and self-taught physiotherapist

1.nounB1
Definition

Elizabeth Kenny (1880–1952), an Australian nurse and self-taught physiotherapist who developed an alternative treatment for polio patients, known as Sister Kenny. She challenged established medical practices by using hot cloth wraps and muscle exercises instead of the standard immobilisation methods, and her approach influenced modern physical therapy.

Example

Nora wrote a biography report about Sister Kenny and her work with polio patients.

proper noun + role: Sister Kenny

The hospital ward was named after Elizabeth Kenny in honour of her nursing career.

named after + person name

Common collocations
  • Sister Kenny
  • Kenny treatment method
  • Kenny's approach to
  • trained by Sister Kenny
  • the Kenny clinic
Synonyms
  • Sister Kenny

    her widely used professional title; more recognisable in historical writing than 'Elizabeth Kenny'

Usage Note

Elizabeth Kenny is frequently referred to as 'Sister Kenny' (Sister was her nursing title, not a religious designation). In biographical contexts, the surname 'Kenny' alone typically refers to her when the subject is Australian medical history.

Common Mistakes

Sister Kenny was a Catholic nun.
Sister Kenny was a nurse, not a nun.
the title 'Sister' referred to her nursing rank, not a religious order.

2. Enda Kenny (1951–), an Irish politician who served as Taoiseach (prime minister)

2.nounB1
Definition

Enda Kenny (1951–), an Irish politician who served as Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland from 2011 to 2017, and as leader of the Fine Gael party. He led Ireland's government during the country's economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis and was known for his coalition-building and centrist policies.

Example

Enda Kenny became Taoiseach at a difficult time for the Irish economy.

person + political role: Taoiseach

Rohan watched a news clip of Enda Kenny speaking at the European Parliament.

proper noun + location: at the European Parliament

Common collocations
  • Enda Kenny
  • Taoiseach Enda Kenny
  • Kenny government
  • Kenny's term in office
  • Fine Gael under Kenny

Usage Note

In political contexts, the surname 'Kenny' refers to Enda Kenny when the subject is modern Irish politics. His title 'Taoiseach' (pronounced 'TEE-shock') is the Irish Gaelic term for prime minister and is commonly retained in English news reporting rather than translated.

Common Mistakes

Enda Kenny was the president of Ireland.
Enda Kenny was the Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland.
Ireland has both a president (head of state) and a Taoiseach (head of government); Kenny held the latter office.

Word family

  • Kennedy
    nounB1
  • Kennealy
    nounC1
  • Kennefick
    nounC2

Etymology

Irish GaelicEnglish

Kenny is an Irish and Scottish surname, derived from the Irish Gaelic name 'Ó Coinnigh' or 'Ó Cionnaith', meaning 'descendant of Coinneach' or 'descendant of Cionnaith'. The personal name Coinneach means 'handsome one' or 'comely person'. The name came to prominence internationally through two twentieth-century figures: Elizabeth 'Sister' Kenny, an Australian nurse of Irish descent, and Enda Kenny, an Irish politician who served as Taoiseach.