Veterinary
/ˈvɛt.ə.rɪ.nɛr.i/noun
Relating to the medical care of animals.
Did you know?The term 'veterinary' stems from Latin, where it originally referred to a 'beast of burden', linking it to the care of working animals, often seen as guardians in ancient rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weḱ-
“to be strong, to have power.”
Latin
Latin
veterinus
“pertaining to beasts, especially working animals.”
Late Latin
Latin
veterinarius
“of or belonging to beasts or working animals.”
14th Century
Old French
veterinaire
“relating to the care and treatment of animals.”
Modern English
English
veterinary
“pertaining to the treatment of animals, especially by trained professionals.”