infirmary

/in'fə:məri/

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Word: Infirmary

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: An infirmary is a place, usually within a school, college, or large institution, where people who are sick or injured can receive medical treatment and care. It is like a small hospital or clinic.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use the word "infirmary" when talking about places that provide medical care, especially in settings like schools or camps.
• Example: "If you feel unwell, you should go to the infirmary."

Example Sentences:

1. "The students went to the infirmary to see the nurse when they felt sick."
2. "During the camping trip, the leaders set up an infirmary for any campers who got hurt."

Advanced Usage:

• In a larger context, you might find "infirmary" being used to describe facilities in military settings or in older institutions, where "infirmaries" served as places for caring for the sick or injured.

Word Variants:

• Infirm: Adjective form meaning weak or ill, often due to age.
  • Example: "The infirm gentleman needed assistance walking."
• Infirmity: Noun meaning a physical weakness or ailment, especially due to old age.
  • Example: "He was struggling with the infirmities of old age."

Different Meaning:

• Infirmary primarily refers to a facility for care, but in a broader sense, it can also refer to the state of being infirm or weak due to illness or age.

Synonyms:

• Clinic
• Health center
• Medical facility
• Dispensary

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While "infirmary" doesn’t have specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with it, you can use phrases related to health and care:
  • "Under the weather" - feeling ill.
  • "Nurse back to health" - to take care of someone until they recover.

Summary:

An infirmary is a specific place for medical care, especially within institutions.

Academic

Noun

1. a health facility where patients receive treatment

Synonyms

• hospital