Hospital

Definition

Hospital is a noun that refers to an institution providing medical and surgical treatment and care for sick or injured people. It is staffed by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːspɪtəl/
• Respelling: HAH-spi-tul

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɒspɪtl/
• Respelling: HOS-pi-tl

Etymology

The word "hospital" originates from Old French "hospital," which is derived from the Medieval Latin "hospitale," meaning "guest house" or "place of hospitality." It is rooted in the Latin word "hospes," meaning "host" or "guest," reflecting its origins as a place for receiving travelers and the sick.

Derivatives

• Hospitalize (verb)
• Hospitalization (noun)
• Hospitality (noun)
• Outpatient hospital (noun)
• Field hospital (noun)

Synonyms

• Medical center
• Clinic
• Infirmary

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "hospital" is used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, "She was admitted to the hospital for surgery," or "The old building served as a hospital during the war." It often connotes a place of healing and care.

Related Terms

• Clinic: A smaller medical facility for outpatient care.
• Emergency room (ER): A specialized area in a hospital for urgent care.
• Ward: A division within a hospital for specific types of patients.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An institution for medical and surgical care: Refers to the primary function of a hospital as a healthcare provider.
  • Example: "The city opened a new hospital to meet increasing healthcare demands."
• A place for specialized treatment and care: Refers to hospitals with a specific focus, such as pediatric or cancer hospitals.
  • Example: "The children's hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities."
• A metaphorical place of healing or refuge: Occasionally used symbolically or in a historical sense.
  • Example: "The monastery acted as a hospital for the poor and sick."