English · Family & People

patient

/ˈpeɪ.ʃənt/

[/ˈpeɪ.ʃənt/]

sick person, case

Beginnernoun

Definition

A patient is a person who is receiving medical treatment from a doctor, nurse, or hospital.

Example

The doctor reassured the nervous patient that the operation was routine and very rarely caused complications.

The doctor reassured the nervous patient that the operation was routine and very rarely caused complications.

Etymology

From Latin 'patiens', present participle of 'pati' (to suffer, endure).

How & Where It’s Used

Used in medical settings; the same word as the adjective meaning calm under delay.

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