Agency Dictionary
valetudinarium
nounPronunciation: /ˌvæl.ɪ.tjuː.dɪˈnɛə.ri.əm/
In Portuguese: valetudinarium
History & Civilizations
Science & HealthWhat does “valetudinarium” mean?
A dedicated military hospital constructed within Roman legionary fortresses to treat wounded and diseased soldiers.
Etymology
From Latin valetudinarium, from valetudo ('state of health,' often specifically poor health) plus the suffix -arium (denoting a place). Valetudo derives from valere ('to be well, to be strong'). The word names a dedicated facility for the care of the unwell.
Usage note
The related English word valetudinarian (adjective and noun) describes a person of frail health who is excessively preoccupied with illness; it carries a slightly ironic or literary tone.
Synonyms
- infirmary
- sick bay
Word family
- valetudinarian
Usage examples
Every legionary fort had its own hospital, the valetudinarium.
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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