health

[ helth ]

noun

1. the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor:

   good health;

   poor health.

2. soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment:

   to have one's health;

   to lose one's health.

   Synonyms: stamina, fitness, strength, vitality, vigor

3. a polite or complimentary wish for a person's health, happiness, etc., especially as a toast:

   We drank a health to our guest of honor.

4. vigor; vitality:

   economic health.

health

/ hɛlθ /

noun

1. the state of being bodily and mentally vigorous and free from disease
2. the general condition of body and mind

   in poor health

3. the condition of any unit, society, etc

   the economic health of a nation

4. a toast to a person, wishing him or her good health, happiness, etc
5. modifier of or relating to food or other goods reputed to be beneficial to the health

   health food

   a health store

6. modifier of or relating to health, esp to the administration of health

   a health committee

   health service

   health resort

interjection

1. an exclamation wishing someone good health as part of a toast (in the phrases your health, good health, etc)

Other Words From

• healthward adjective adverb
• sub·health noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of health¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English helthe, Old English hǣlth; hale ¹, whole, -th ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of health¹

Old English hǣlth; related to hāl hale ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see clean bill of health .

Example Sentences

Women's health in the U.S. is falling behind other peer countries faster than men's.

From Science Daily

Lead researcher Professor Grant Tomkinson says the new norms will help clinicians better identify people who may be at risk of poor health and in need of interventions.

From Science Daily

The event had been canceled because of the singer’s poor health.

From Los Angeles Times

The Scripps Research Institute finding counters prevailing thought that the virus would require multiple mutations before it poses a threat to public health.

From Los Angeles Times

Other research has focused on the potential health effects of the fire itself.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• energy
• fitness
• strength
• well-being