-iatry

American  

1. a combining form occurring in compound words that have the general sense “healing, medical practice,” with the initial element usually denoting the area treated.

   podiatry; psychiatry.

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-iatry British  

combining form

1. indicating healing or medical treatment Compare -iatrics

   psychiatry

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Usage

What does -iatry mean? The combining form -iatry is used like a suffix meaning “healing; medical practice.” It is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in names of medical disciplines. The form -iatry comes from Greek iātreía, meaning “healing.”What are variants of -iatry?While it doesn't have any variants, -iatry is related to a number of other combining forms. The Greek element iātro-, which is the source of iatro-, is a corresponding form of -iatric combined to the beginning of words. The forms -iatric and -iatrics are specifically composed of -iatry and the suffix -ics, denoting a particular science, art, subject, or activity. The combining form -iatric is used as an adjective form of nouns ending in -iatrics.  A pediatric surgeon is a type of specialist in pediatrics, for instance. Learn about the specific applications of these forms in our Words That Use articles about iatro-, -iatric, and -iatrics.

Other Word Forms

• -iatric combining form

Etymology

Origin of -iatry

< Greek iātreía healing. See iatro-, -y ³