Nosocomial
/ˌnəʊ.səˈkoʊ.mi.əl/noun
Relating to or originating in a hospital, especially infections acquired in a hospital.
Did you know?The term 'nosocomial' stems from the Greek word 'nosokomeion', meaning 'hospital', but its roots also evoke the ancient fear of disease and contagion lurking within these healing spaces.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
νοσοκομεῖον (nosokomeion)
“A place for the care of the sick, or a hospital.”
Late Latin
Latin
nosocomialis
“Pertaining to a hospital.”
17th Century
Latin
nosocomium
“An establishment for the sick.”
Modern English
English
nosocomial
“Describing infections acquired in a hospital setting.”