convalesce

[kon-vuh-les]

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

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

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. 2018

Related Words for convalescing

recuperate, mend, restore, rejuvenate, revive, improve

Examples from the Web for convalescing

Contemporary Examples of convalescing

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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of convalescing

As far as mere physique was in question, he was convalescing favorably.
Fairy Fingers
Anna Cora Mowatt Ritchie
She walked slowly and feebly, as if she were convalescing from a long illness.
The Ordeal of Elizabeth
Elizabeth Von Arnim
Next week there were 40 with measles, and 90 convalescing therefrom.
A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume II (of 2)
Charles Creighton
Although he was then convalescing, he was unable to earn anything.
The Conquest
Oscar Micheaux
Father took care of the wounded and we are all convalescing.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline
Jennie M. Drinkwater

British Dictionary definitions for convalescing

convalesce

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

Word Origin and History for convalescing

convalesce

late 15c., from Latin convalescere "thrive, regain health," from com-, intensive prefix (see com-), + valescere "to begin to grow strong," inchoative of valere "to be strong" (see valiant). Only in Caxton and Scottish writers until 19c. Related: Convalesced; convalescing.

convalescing in Medicine

convalesce

[kŏn′və-lĕs′]

To return to health and strength after illness; recuperate.