Veterinarian: meaning, definitions and examples

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veterinarian

 

[ ˌvɛtərɪˈnɛːrɪən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal care

A veterinarian is a medical professional who provides healthcare to animals. They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in a wide range of animals, from pets to livestock. Veterinarians may work in clinics, hospitals, or on farms.

Synonyms

animal doctor, vet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
veterinarian

This term is often employed in more formal or academic settings. It is commonly used in writing, professional settings, or when referring to the profession or qualifications.

  • She has been working as a veterinarian for over ten years.
  • The veterinarian conducted a thorough check-up on my dog.
vet

This is the most informal and commonly used abbreviation of 'veterinarian'. It is suitable for everyday conversations, both spoken and written. This term is also frequently used in the pet owner community.

  • I'm taking my dog to the vet this afternoon.
  • The vet said my rabbit is in good health.
animal doctor

This phrase is more casual and is often used when speaking to children or in informal situations. It is straightforward and easy to understand.

  • We need to take our cat to the animal doctor because she’s not feeling well.
  • Johnny wants to be an animal doctor when he grows up.

Examples of usage

  • Every pet owner should take their animal to the veterinarian for regular check-ups.
  • The veterinarian recommended a special diet for the sick horse.
Context #2 | Noun

profession

A veterinarian is someone who has completed a degree in veterinary medicine and is licensed to practice veterinary medicine. They may specialize in specific types of animals or medical practices.

Synonyms

animal doctor, vet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
veterinarian

This word is a formal term commonly used in professional or academic settings to refer to a person qualified to treat sick or injured animals. It is suitable for official documents, professional discussions, and academic publications.

  • The veterinarian performed a complex surgery on the dog's leg.
  • She decided to become a veterinarian after college due to her love for animals.
animal doctor

This term is a more casual and easy-to-understand alternative. It is often used in everyday conversations, especially when speaking to children or people who may not be familiar with the term 'veterinarian'.

  • The animal doctor said our cat needs to take medicine twice a day.
  • Is there an animal doctor near our neighborhood?
vet

This is an informal and commonly used abbreviation of 'veterinarian'. Suitable for casual conversations and when speaking to friends and family. It’s important to note that 'vet' can also mean 'veteran'; context is crucial.

  • I'm taking my hamster to the vet this afternoon.
  • The vet gave us some advice on how to care for our new puppy.

Examples of usage

  • My cousin is studying to become a veterinarian and hopes to work with exotic animals.
  • The veterinarian performed a successful surgery on the injured dog.

Translations

Translations of the word "veterinarian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 veterinário

🇮🇳 पशु चिकित्सक

🇩🇪 Tierarzt

🇮🇩 dokter hewan

🇺🇦 ветеринар

🇵🇱 weterynarz

🇯🇵 獣医

🇫🇷 vétérinaire

🇪🇸 veterinario

🇹🇷 veteriner

🇰🇷 수의사

🇸🇦 طبيب بيطري

🇨🇿 veterinář

🇸🇰 veterinár

🇨🇳 兽医

🇸🇮 veterinar

🇮🇸 dýralæknir

🇰🇿 ветеринар

🇬🇪 ვეტერინარი

🇦🇿 baytar

🇲🇽 veterinario

Etymology

The term 'veterinarian' is derived from the Latin word 'veterinarius', which means 'of or relating to beasts of burden'. The practice of veterinary medicine dates back to ancient times when animals played a crucial role in agriculture and transportation. Over the centuries, the field has evolved to encompass a wide range of animal care and treatment, leading to the establishment of formal education and licensing for veterinarians.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,407, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.