-iatry
suffix
UK/aɪˈæ.tri/US/aɪˈæ.tri/
Used to form nouns referring to medical treatment or specialized branches of medicine (from Greek ‘iatreia,’ meaning ‘healing’). Examples include ‘psychiatry’ (the medical specialty dealing with mental health) and ‘podiatry’ (the medical specialty focusing on foot care).
Example Sentences
Psychiatry deals with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders, making it one of the most recognized '-iatry' fields.
Podiatry focuses on foot and ankle health, encompassing everything from sports injuries to diabetic foot care.
Geriatry addresses health issues specific to elderly patients, including chronic disease management and preventative care.
The suffix '-iatry' highlights a specialized branch of medicine or healing that caters to particular patient groups or organ systems.
From cardiology to psychiatry, medical students can explore a wide range of '-iatry' and other specialties depending on their interests.
Modern psychiatry often relies on interdisciplinary approaches, merging therapy, medication, and holistic care strategies.
Many -iatry specialties demand extensive training and board certification to ensure practitioners meet rigorous standards of patient care.
As telemedicine grows, certain -iatry services, especially in mental health, are becoming more accessible to people in remote or underserved areas.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'medical treatment' or 'healing practice.'The suffix '-iatry' is used to denote medical specialties or healing practices focused on a specific field. Examples include 'psychiatry' (the medical treatment of mental health conditions) and 'podiatry' (the medical care of feet). It is primarily used in professional medical terminology to identify areas of expertise and systematic healthcare practices.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-iatry' include descriptive phrases like 'medical care for' or 'treatment of,' such as 'mental health treatment' instead of 'psychiatry.'
Writing
In writing, '-iatry' is precise and formal, often appearing in professional or academic contexts to name medical disciplines. For example, 'psychiatry' succinctly conveys the practice of treating mental health issues.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-iatry' is less commonly referenced directly, but terms like 'psychiatry' or 'podiatry' are familiar. Simplified terms like 'foot doctor' for 'podiatry' may be used for clarity.