hospice

[hos-pis]

noun

1. a house of shelter or rest for pilgrims, strangers, etc., especially one kept by a religious order.

2. Medicine/Medical.

   1. a healthcare facility for the terminally ill that emphasizes pain control and emotional support for the patient and family, typically refraining from taking extraordinary measures to prolong life.

   2. a similar program of care and support for the terminally ill at home or in a nursing home.

hospice

/ ˈhɒspɪs /

noun

1. a nursing home that specializes in caring for the terminally ill

2. Also called: hospitium. archaic,  a place of shelter for travellers, esp one kept by a monastic order

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospice¹

First recorded in 1810–20; from French, from Latin hospitium “hospitable reception, entertainment”; hospitium

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospice¹

C19: from French, from Latin hospitium hospitality, from hospes guest, _host ¹

Example Sentences

But the reality is broadcast television is in hospice.

From Los Angeles Times

Diana Schad, a staff nurse at the Marie Curie hospice in Glasgow with 19 years of experience as well as a musician herself, has installed a piano for patients and volunteers to use.

From BBC

Wilkes also thanked fans and friends for their support, and staff at the hospice for their care.

From BBC

Within weeks the former car mechanic and handyman - a Texan "Mr Fix It" type who wore a cowboy hat and jeans nearly every day - was in end-of-life hospice care.

From BBC

The first day of filming for the foursome was an emotional scene set in a hospice.

From BBC

Related Words

• clinic 
• emergency room 
• health service www.thesaurus.com
• infirmary 
• nursing home 
• sanitarium 
• shelter 
• ward