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gerontology

[jer-uh n-tol-uh-jee, jeer-]
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noun
  1. the branch of science that deals with aging and the problems of aged persons.
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Origin of gerontology

First recorded in 1900–05; geronto- + -logy
Related formsge·ron·to·log·i·cal [juh-ron-tl-oj-i-kuh l] /dʒəˌrɒn tlˈɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, adjectiveger·on·tol·o·gist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for gerontologist

gerontology

noun
  1. the scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with older peopleCompare geriatrics
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Derived Formsgerontological (ˌdʒɛrɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectivegerontologist, noun
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 gerontologist

n.

1941, from gerontology + -ist.

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gerontology

n.

1903, coined in English from Greek geron (genitive gerontos) "old man," from PIE root *gere- "to become ripe, grow old" (cf. Sanskrit jara "old age," jarati "makes frail, causes to age;" Avestan zaurvan "old age;" Ossetic zarond "old man;" Armenian cer "old, old man").

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
gerontologist in Medicine

gerontology

(jĕr′ən-tŏl′ə-jē)
n.
  1. The scientific study of the biological, psychological, and sociological phenomena that are associated with old age and aging.
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Related formsger′on•tol′o•gist n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
gerontologist in Culture

gerontology

A medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the elderly.

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Note

The large number of aging “baby boomers” has increased both the profile and importance of this specialty.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.