geriatric

[jer-ee-a-trik, jeer-]

adjective

1. of or relating to geriatrics or old age.

   the hospital's geriatric ward.

2. noting or relating to aged people or animals: a geriatric pet.

   geriatric patients;

   a geriatric pet.

3. old, outmoded, or worn out by long use.

   The company is suffering from geriatric factories and manufacturing technologies.

noun

1. Often Offensive.,  an aged person.

geriatric

/ ˌdʒɛrɪˈætrɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to geriatric medicine or to older people

2. offensive,  (of people or machines) old, obsolescent, worn out, or useless

noun

1. old-fashioned,  an elderly person

2. informal,  an older person considered as one who may be disregarded as senile or unable to look after his or her own best interests

Word History and Origins

Origin of geriatric¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from Greek gér(ōn) “old man” + iatric ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of geriatric¹

C20: from Greek gēras old age + _iatric

Example Sentences

A geriatric Congress can also have demonstrable effects on the policymaking that happens on Capitol Hill.

From Salon

How do we replace our geriatric urban forest with more and better trees?

From Los Angeles Times

Could that, and the fact that Harrison Ford still played Indiana Jones at 80, have anything to do with our seeming preference for geriatric politicians?

From Salon

It seems to be a common glitch among geriatric presidents.

From Salon

Her keepers at RZSS' Highland Wildlife Park said she had been receiving geriatric care, and the decision to end her life on Tuesday was taken on the advice of vets.

From BBC

Related Words

• aged 
• ancient 
• decrepit 
• elderly 
• gray 
• mature 
• tired 
• venerable 

When To Use

What does geriatric mean?

Geriatric is an adjective that means relating to old age or the care of aged people.A common use of geriatric is in the phrase geriatric medicine (also called geriatrics), which is the branch of medicine dealing with the care of aged persons.Although geriatric was once used in the medical field as a noun meaning an older person, that use is now considered offensive. It is also considered offensive when used as an adjective to describe a thing (such as a machine) that’s worn out or useless.Example: Since older people face unique health risks, it’s important for them to see doctors who specialize in treating geriatric patients.