ENGLISH
REFERENCE

veterinary

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈvɛtɹəˌnɛɹi// UK //vˈɛtəɹˌɪnəɹi// vet·eri·nary

adj. relating to the medical care and treatment of animals. You use this to describe doctors, clinics, or medicine for pets and farm animals.

adj. relating to the medical treatment of diseases and injuries in animals. Often used to modify professional roles or medical facilities.


SIMPLE

She is studying veterinary medicine to become a horse doctor.

CONTEXTUAL

The local veterinary clinic offers emergency services for pets during the night and on weekends.

COMPLEX

Advancements in veterinary science have significantly extended the life expectancy of domestic animals through better diagnostic tools and specialized surgical procedures.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin veterīnārius, from veterīnus and veterīnae (“cattle;"beasts of burden/of draught"”); compare with veterinarian.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

Pitfall

He is a veterinary.He is a veterinarian.In standard English, 'veterinary' is the adjective; the person is a 'veterinarian' or a 'vet'.

© 2026 English Reference