veterinary

IPA/ˈvetnri/
KK[vˈɛtrənˌɛri]IPA/ˈvetərəneri/

veterinary — adjective

  • veterinarypositive
  • more veterinarycomparative
  • most veterinarysuperlative

1. relating to the medical treatment and care of animals, especially domestic pets

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to the medical treatment and care of animals, especially domestic pets and farm animals

Example

Naoko took her elderly dog to the **veterinary** clinic for a check-up.

veterinary clinic — common compound noun

Tanvi is studying **veterinary** medicine at the university in Dublin.

veterinary medicine — academic field

Common collocations
  • veterinary clinic
  • veterinary medicine
  • veterinary surgeon
  • veterinary care
  • veterinary practice
  • veterinary hospital
  • veterinary nurse
  • veterinary science
Synonyms
  • animal medical

    less common; used descriptively rather than as a set term

Grammar Patterns

veterinary + noun

Usage Note

Almost always used before a noun. Common in compound nouns such as 'veterinary clinic' and 'veterinary surgeon.' For the person who treats animals, use 'veterinarian' or 'veterinary surgeon' in formal writing.

Common Mistakes

She wants to become a veterinary.
She wants to become a veterinarian.
In formal English, 'veterinary' is an adjective; use 'veterinarian' for the profession.

veterinary — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms refer to a professional who treats animal illnesses and injuries, but they differ in formality and region. 'Veterinarian' is the standard formal term in US English and is widely understood internationally. 'Vet' is the most common informal abbreviation, used freely in both British and American everyday speech — for example, 'I need to take the dog to the vet.' 'Veterinary surgeon' is the formal title in the UK and Commonwealth countries, emphasizing the surgical aspect of the profession. 'Veterinary' as a standalone noun is a less common shortened form, mostly heard in spoken English rather than seen in writing. In academic or professional contexts, choose 'veterinarian' or 'veterinary surgeon'; in casual conversation, 'vet' is the natural choice.

veterinarian ↗vet ↗veterinary surgeon ↗veterinary ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Veterinary comes from Latin 'veterinarius,' meaning 'relating to cattle or beasts of burden.' The word entered English in the late 1700s, when the medical care of working farm animals first became a recognized profession. The Latin root 'veterinae' referred to animals used for carrying loads or pulling carts, reflecting a time when veterinary care focused on livestock rather than household pets.