Sickbay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sickbay

[sɪkˈbeɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical facility

Sickbay is a noun that refers to a small hospital or infirmary on a ship, spacecraft, or military base where medical treatment is provided to the sick or injured personnel. It is typically equipped with basic medical supplies and a medical staff to attend to the healthcare needs of individuals.

Synonyms

hospital, infirmary, medical facility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sickbay

A sickbay is usually found on ships, especially military or large commercial vessels, and provides medical care to those on board.

  • The injured sailor was treated in the ship's sickbay
  • The crew received their vaccinations in the sickbay before the long voyage
infirmary

An infirmary is usually a smaller medical facility within an institution like a school, college, or military base, used for less serious health issues and basic medical care.

  • When he felt sick during the exam, he went to the school infirmary
  • The soldiers visited the infirmary for their routine check-ups
hospital

A hospital is a large medical facility with a wide range of medical services, commonly used for serious health issues, surgeries, and long-term treatments.

  • She was taken to the hospital after the car accident
  • Many hospitals have specialized departments for complex treatments
medical facility

A medical facility is a general term that can refer to any place providing medical services, from small clinics to large hospitals.

  • The new medical facility in town offers a variety of services
  • Employees are encouraged to visit the medical facility for regular health screenings

Examples of usage

  • The injured crew member was taken to sickbay for immediate treatment.
  • The doctor in sickbay diagnosed the sailor with a mild fever.
  • The captain ordered the medic to report to sickbay for duty.
  • The sickbay on the spacecraft was well-equipped to handle emergencies.
  • In case of any medical emergency, crew members were instructed to contact sickbay.

Translations

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

Origin of 'sickbay'

The term 'sickbay' originated from the naval and military environments, where it was used to refer to the medical facilities on ships and military bases. The concept of a designated area for medical treatment for the sick and injured has been integral to ensuring the health and well-being of personnel in these environments. Over time, the term has also been adopted in science fiction to describe medical facilities on spacecraft and futuristic settings.


See also: sick, sicken, sickly, sickness.