chiropodist

American  

[ki-rop-uh-dist, kahy-, shuh-] / kɪˈrɒp ə dɪst, kaɪ-, ʃə- /

noun

1. a podiatrist.

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Etymology

Origin of chiropodist

First recorded in 1775–85; chiro- + -pod + -ist

Explanation

A chiropodist is a doctor who specializes in feet. In other words, a chiropodist is a podiatrist. If your heel hurts or you have a broken foot, who should you call? A chiropodist, of course. If you've never heard of a chiropodist, that's because this word, especially in American English, has been nearly eclipsed by its synonym podiatrist. The two words share the Greek root pod- (meaning "foot"). A chiropodist was originally a hand and foot doctor, but in many parts of the world today chiropodist is used instead of podiatrist to designate a foot doctor.

Example Sentences

The episode is followed by the series premiere of ‘THE TOE BRO,’ about a chiropodist who can handle the most unpleasant of foot problems.

From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2019

Lord & Taylor, going up — eighth floor: robes, lingerie, hosiery; 11th floor: eye, ear, nose and throat clinic, chiropodist, dental care, urinalysis, hospital operating room.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2018

His medical colleagues did him no good, but an oldtime chiropodist helped him.

From Time Magazine Archive

The non-pros include mailmen, policemen, engineers, salesmen and a chiropodist.

From Time Magazine Archive

New-Haven enjoys an elephant that has corns, and is about to be operated on by a chiropodist.

From Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 07, May 14, 1870 by Various