What does paediatric mean?
Paediatric is an adjective meaning relating to children and infants, especially in relation to medicine, healthcare, or development. It appears in terms such as paediatric care, paediatric medicine, paediatric ward, and paediatric clinic, and it is commonly used to describe services, specialists, research, and conditions involving young patients. The word is especially associated with the branch of medicine concerned with the health and treatment of children, but it can also refer more broadly to children’s health or development. In British English, paediatric is the usual spelling, while American English generally uses pediatric. The term is formal and professional rather than conversational, although the underlying contrast between paediatric and adult or geriatric medicine is widely understood. Its name comes from Greek roots meaning “child” and “physician,” reflecting the word’s long association with the medical care of young people.
adjectiveRelating to or concerned with the medical care, health, or development of children and infants.
- Relating to or concerned with the medical care, health, or development of children and infants.
"The hospital opened a new paediatric unit for children with complex respiratory conditions."
"The paediatric team provides specialist care for infants and young children."
"Researchers presented their findings at an international paediatric conference."
Paediatric puts the child first: its name joins the Greek roots for “child” and “physician.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paediatric come from?
Paediatric combines Greek roots meaning “child” and “physician,” ultimately associated with the ancient Greek words pais, “child,” and iatros, “healer” or “physician.” The English adjective developed in the modern period and became established in medical usage, with paediatric emerging as the characteristic British form and pediatric as the American spelling. The same roots also produced related forms such as paediatrician, paediatrics, pediatrician, and pediatrics.
Related word forms
How paediatric is actually used
Paediatric is the standard British spelling; American English normally uses pediatric. It is primarily a formal medical and institutional term, though related everyday expressions include paediatric care and paediatric ward.
Easily confused with paediatric
Paediatric is the usual British spelling, while pediatric is the standard spelling in American English.