What does NURSE mean?

Parts of Speech

Nurse is a noun and a verb.

Definitions

As a noun, nurse refers to a person trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital. As a verb, it means to care for or look after someone, especially when they are ill or injured.

Pronunciations

US: /nərs/

UK: /nəːs/

Origin and Usage

The word nurse comes from the Old French word "norrice," meaning "wet nurse." It has been used in English since the 14th century. Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, providing care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The verb form of nurse is also used more broadly to refer to caring for someone or something, such as nursing a plant back to health.

Synonyms

As a noun: caregiver, attendant, nursemaid, health worker, medical professional. As a verb: care for, tend, look after, attend to, nurture.

Related Words

Carer, curse, purse, nurse, terse.

Example Sentences

• She became a nurse because she wanted to help people.
• The hospital had a shortage of nurses.
• He is currently nursing a broken leg.
• The mother nursed her sick child back to health.
• The nurse checked the patients vital signs.