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

But Charlie Binaggio, who looked deceptively like a mild and prosperous chiropodist, made a mistake which is as fatal in politics as it is in the underworld�he overestimated himself.

From Time Magazine Archive

Son of a Portland, Me., chiropodist, Ireland himself was a genuine World War II hero in the Marines, which he joined after finishing Bowdoin.

From Time Magazine Archive

Fortunately none of her friends were in sight, nor was it probable that they knew the chiropodist in any case.

From International Short Stories American by Various