convalesce

[ kon-vuh-les ]

/ ˌkɒn vəˈlɛs /

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Definition of convalesce

verb (used without object), con·va·lesced, con·va·lesc·ing.

to recover health and strength after illness; make progress toward recovery of health.

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Origin of convalesce

1475–85; <Latin convalēscere to grow fully strong, equivalent to con-con- + valēscere to grow strong (val(ēre) to be well + -escere-esce)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use convalesce in a sentence

In addition, another set of samples was collected in patients who were convalescing from the often-fatal disease.
Did One Liberian Prostitute Give Ebola to Eight Soldiers?|Kent Sepkowitz|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Chayefsky first set words down on paper after convalescing from injuries suffered from an exploding landmine.
Paddy Chayefsky: The Dark Prophet of ‘Network’ News|Tim Teeman|February 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A student studying animal law introduced me to some of the more than 50 convalescing dogs.
Animal Rights: Saving Chinese Dogs From the Cooking Pot|Isaac Stone Fish|April 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
I was in New York that night, convalescing from various ailments and surgeries, to be sure, but I was there.
All Those Times Square Heroes|Leslie H. Gelb|May 8, 2010|DAILY BEAST

I was then under eighteen, growing fast, and when convalescing the country life and country air did me lasting good.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Since January I have had two severe illnesses, my boy, and some heartbreaking anxiety over Fanny; and am only now convalescing.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
He sustains at his own charges an asylum for convalescing invalids, one of the most interesting charities I have ever seen.
Letters from Switzerland|Samuel Irenus Prime
He is an old friend of my husband's, who has been ill and is here convalescing.
Mrs. Red Pepper|Grace S. Richmond
The convalescing boy, wound in bandages to his neck, began to laugh.
The Awakening|Leo Nikoleyevich Tolstoy

British Dictionary definitions for convalesce

convalesce

/ (ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs) /

verb

(intr) to recover from illness, injury, or the aftereffects of a surgical operation, esp by resting

Word Origin for convalesce

C15: from Latin convalēscere, from com- (intensive) + valēscere to grow strong, from valēre to be strong

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for convalesce

convalesce

[ kŏn′və-lĕs′ ]

To return to health and strength after illness; recuperate.

convalesce

Definition of convalesce

Origin of convalesce

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How to use convalesce in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for convalesce

Word Origin for convalesce

Medical definitions for convalesce