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definitions

gerontology

[ jer-uh n-tol-uh-jee, jeer- ]
/ ˌdʒɛr ənˈtɒl ə dʒi, ˌdʒɪər- /
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noun

the branch of science that deals with aging and the problems of aged persons.

Nearby words

  1. gerontic,
  2. geronto-,
  3. gerontocracy,
  4. gerontogeous,
  5. gerontologist,
  6. gerontomorphosis,
  7. gerontophobia,
  8. gerontoxon,
  9. gerota's capsule,
  10. gerry

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for gerontology

British Dictionary definitions for gerontology

gerontology

/ (ˌdʒɛrɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with older peopleCompare geriatrics
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 gerontology

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").

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for gerontology

gerontology

[ jĕr′ən-tŏl′ə-jē ]

n.

The scientific study of the biological, psychological, and sociological phenomena that are associated with old age and aging.
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.
Culture definitions for gerontology

gerontology

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

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.