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Synonyms

convalescent

American  
[kon-vuh-les-uhnt] / ˌkɒn vəˈlɛs ənt /

adjective

  1. convalescing.

  2. of or relating to convalescence or convalescing persons.


noun

  1. a person who is convalescing.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of convalescent

1650–60; < Latin convalēscent- (stem of convalēscēns ), present participle of convalēscere to convalesce; see -ent

Explanation

A person who's recovering from an illness is a convalescent. As a convalescent recovering from surgery, your grandmother would probably love some company to cheer her and help pass the time. Convalescent, as an adjective, can describe the period of recovery or anything related to the process of returning to health, like a convalescent program of physical therapy or a convalescent ward at a hospital. As a noun, a convalescent is a person who is recovering from being sick. The origin of convalescent is the Latin root valescere, which means "to begin to grow strong."

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Vocabulary lists containing convalescent

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.

Wilson went to El Dorado Convalescent Hospital and tried to talk to Cox again, but he refused to speak without an attorney.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

Nurses strike: Nurses at Fresno’s Sunnyside Convalescent Hospital have gone on indefinite strike to protest what they called unsafe staffing levels, bounced paychecks and pay below minimum wage for some workers, The Fresno Bee reports.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

According to the branch’s news release, Secondary Caregiver Leave can be taken consecutively with Maternity Convalescent Leave that’s part of the overarching Military Parental Leave Program.

From Fox News • Feb. 16, 2022

The Colville Tribal Convalescent Center is a federally registered nursing home, meaning it takes Medicaid recipients as well as nontribal members.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2021

It is impossible, too, to say good-by to the Free Convalescent Home at Woodsford without mentioning Miss Simmons, the superintendent for many years—an ideal mother for such a home.

From McClure's Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 3, August, 1893 by Various