convalescence
Americannoun
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the gradual recovery of health and strength after illness.
-
the period during which one is convalescing.
noun
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gradual return to health after illness, injury, or an operation, esp through rest
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the period during which such recovery occurs
Other Word Forms
- convalescent noun
- convalescently adverb
Etymology
Origin of convalescence
From the Late Latin word convalēscentia, dating back to 1480–90. See convalesce, -ence
Explanation
When someone has been severely hurt or very ill, they must go through a period of convalescence during which they rest and recuperate in order to regain their strength and health. Convalescence varies depending on the severity of the problem. The Latin convalēscere means "to regain health." The actual period of convalescence is from when you first get sick until your complete recovery. Convalescence for an illness is often accompanied by various medicines, the most effective of which often include TLC and hot chicken soup. Playwright George Bernard Shaw once quipped, "I enjoy convalescence. It is the part that makes the illness worth while."
Vocabulary lists containing convalescence
Power Suffix: -escence
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East of Eden
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"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte, Chapters 15–20
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His seven-person medical team were indicted over the conditions of his convalescence in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
I invited the world to join me in my convalescence while news stations around the world carried footage of my self-documented isolation.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025
"Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered," the palace said.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2025
Kensington Palace, where Catherine and her husband, Prince William, have their offices, did not release any new details on her condition or convalescence.
From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2024
Her mom had suffered a stroke, and after enduring a long convalescence, then had to confront a painful divorce from Ophelia’s father.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
