ambulatory

[am-byuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or capable of walking.

   an ambulatory exploration of the countryside.

2. adapted for walking, as the limbs of many animals.

3. moving about or from place to place; not stationary.

   an ambulatory tribe.

4. Medicine/Medical.,  Also

   1. not confined to bed; able or strong enough to walk.

      an ambulatory patient.

   2. serving patients who are able to walk.

      an ambulatory care center.

5. Law.,  not fixed; alterable or revocable.

   ambulatory will.

noun

plural

ambulatories 

1. Also called deambulatory. Architecture.

   1. an aisle surrounding the end of the choir or chancel of a church.

   2. the covered walk of a cloister.

ambulatory

/ ˈæmbjʊlətərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designed for walking

2. changing position; not fixed

3. Also: ambulant. able to walk

4. law (esp of a will) capable of being altered or revoked

noun

1. architect

   1. an aisle running around the east end of a church, esp one that passes behind the sanctuary

   2. a place for walking, such as an aisle or a cloister

Other Word Forms

• ambulatorily adverb
• nonambulatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambulatory¹

1615–25; < Latin ambulātōrius, equivalent to ambulā-, stem of ambulāre ( amble ) + -tōrius -tory ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The company is set to receive a roughly 50% reimbursement increase for its Inspire V implant at hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.

Read more on Barron's

The medical imaging and diagnostic company announced External link on Thursday an agreement to acquire Intelerad, a medical imaging software provider with a presence in outpatient ambulatory care settings, for $2.3 billion in cash.

Read more on Barron's

Among the possible scenarios being discussed by staff was to bring in the Army during December and January for additional support on the wards and in ambulatory care.

Read more on BBC

Nor are advanced birth centers comparable in any way to ambulatory care surgery facilities, which perform scheduled elective procedures, not emergency procedures, said Kara Newbury, chief advocacy officer for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

Read more on New York Times

“Most of these ambulatory cases are presenting with usual cough-and-cold symptoms, so it’s important for everyone to test themselves if they develop these types of symptoms.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times