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Ambulatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ambulatory

[ˈæmb.jʊ.lə.tɔːr.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

healthcare, movement

Ambulatory refers to the ability to walk or move around, especially in the context of patients who are able to leave their beds and engage in physical activity. It can also describe healthcare settings where patients do not require admission to a hospital and can be treated on an outpatient basis.

Synonyms

capable, mobile, walking.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was classified as ambulatory after the surgery.
  • Ambulatory care services are essential for many chronic conditions.
  • He moved from a wheelchair to being ambulatory after rehabilitation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical

  • In healthcare, 'ambulatory care' refers to medical services provided to patients who do not require hospitalization.
  • Ambulatory surgery is performed on patients who are awake and can go home the same day, emphasizing efficiency.
  • Ambulatory patients are typically encouraged to move around, aiding in quicker recovery.

Cultural Impact

  • The term appears in literature to emphasize the active lifestyle or mobility of characters.
  • In urban planning, 'ambulatory' spaces are designed for walking, promoting health and community interaction.
  • Street art and performance in cities often celebrate ambulatory culture, focusing on the vibrancy of movement.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that mobility and the ability to walk can improve mental well-being and reduce stress.
  • Walking is often linked to creative thinking, with many famous thinkers advocating for walks to stimulate ideas.
  • Embodied cognition theory posits that our physical state, like being ambulatory, influences our mental processes.

Technology

  • Advancements in mobility aids, like adaptive chairs, have improved the lives of those with ambulatory challenges.
  • Wearable technology now helps track movement, encouraging an active lifestyle to maintain ambulatory health.
  • Urban tech innovations often include features catering to pedestrians, enhancing the ambulatory experience in smart cities.

Origin of 'ambulatory'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'ambulare,' meaning 'to walk.'
  • Used in English since the 15th century, initially describing the action of walking.
  • The term is linked to the concept of mobility in both medical and general contexts.

The term 'ambulatory' originates from the Latin word 'ambulans', which means 'walking' or 'to walk'. This Latin root is derived from 'ambulare', meaning 'to walk around'. The word entered the English language in the late 17th century, originally used in medical contexts to describe the ability of patients to walk and move freely, which was a significant factor in their recovery process. Over time, the meaning has expanded to include various health-related contexts, such as ambulatory care, which focuses on outpatient care and services that do not require hospitalization. The evolution of the term reflects advances in medical care, particularly in promoting mobility as a crucial aspect of patient recovery and healthcare delivery.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,469, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.