podiatrist
Americannoun
Usage
What does podiatrist mean? A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the feet. Podiatrists undergo specialized training to diagnose and treat issues with the foot, as well as connecting areas such as the ankle. They are sometimes called podiatric physicians or, when qualified to perform surgery for such problems, foot and ankle surgeons. Example: I have an appointment with the podiatrist because my ankle doesn’t seem to be healing properly.
Etymology
Origin of podiatrist
First recorded in 1910–15; podiatr(y) + -ist
Explanation
A podiatrist is a foot doctor. Got a bunion? A hammer toe? Call the podiatrist. The word podiatrist is composed of two ancient Greek parts: pod, meaning "foot," and iatrist, meaning "healer." Other kinds of doctors have a similar suffix: think psychiatrist — a doctor of the mind. The pod prefix and suffix is used to name a number of things. For example, a camera tripod has three "feet." Pea pods and iPods? Nothing to do with feet!
Vocabulary lists containing podiatrist
Body Language: Ped, Pod ("Foot")
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Merci Suárez Changes Gears
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Please Ignore Vera Dietz
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The SoR is now calling for sonographer to become a protected job title in the UK in the same way as dietician, podiatrist, art therapist or radiographer.
From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025
And when it told me my blisters were so bad I should consult a medical professional, I limped all the way to my local podiatrist.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025
I chauffeured Wally to the grocery store or to the podiatrist for his favorite indulgence: monthly pedicures.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2024
Her podiatrist did all of that, but the wound just kept getting worse.
From Slate • Feb. 25, 2024
True love includes equal parts good and bad, but true love sticks around and doesn’t run off to Vegas with a podiatrist.
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
