Nurse: meaning, definitions and examples

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nurse

 

[ nəːs ]

Context #1 | Noun

medical profession

A nurse is a healthcare professional responsible for the care of patients. Nurses provide medical treatment, educate patients and their families about various health conditions, and offer emotional support. They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

Synonyms

caretaker, healthcare provider, medical attendant.

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Word Description / Examples
nurse

Typically used in hospitals or clinical settings to refer to a trained professional who provides medical care and support to patients.

  • The nurse will check your vital signs
  • The nurse gave me my medication on time
caretaker

Usually refers to someone who takes care of someone else, often in a non-professional or home setting. This term can also apply to someone who maintains property or animals.

  • My grandmother has a caretaker who helps her with daily tasks
  • The zoo's caretaker feeds the animals every morning
healthcare provider

A broad term that encompasses various professionals who deliver health care, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists. Often used in formal or administrative contexts.

  • Please choose a healthcare provider from our approved list
  • The healthcare provider will discuss your treatment options
medical attendant

Generally refers to someone who attends to the medical needs of a patient, often in a more general or less formal sense than a nurse. Can be used for aides or assistants.

  • The medical attendant helped the patient get out of bed
  • She works as a medical attendant in a rehabilitation center

Examples of usage

  • Nurses monitor patients' vital signs.
  • The nurse explained the medication dosage to the patient.
  • The nurse comforted the family during a difficult time.

Translations

Translations of the word "nurse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enfermeira

🇮🇳 नर्स

🇩🇪 Krankenschwester

🇮🇩 perawat

🇺🇦 медсестра

🇵🇱 pielęgniarka

🇯🇵 看護師 (かんごし)

🇫🇷 infirmière

🇪🇸 enfermera

🇹🇷 hemşire

🇰🇷 간호사

🇸🇦 ممرضة

🇨🇿 zdravotní sestra

🇸🇰 zdravotná sestra

🇨🇳 护士

🇸🇮 medicinska sestra

🇮🇸 hjúkrunarfræðingur

🇰🇿 медбике

🇬🇪 ექთანი

🇦🇿 tibb bacısı

🇲🇽 enfermera

Etymology

The word 'nurse' originated from the Latin word 'nutrire', meaning 'to nourish'. The role of nurses has evolved over centuries, from providing basic care to performing complex medical procedures. Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in modern nursing, played a significant role in shaping the profession. Today, nurses are essential members of the healthcare team, contributing to the well-being of patients worldwide.

See also: nursery, nursing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,458, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.