Nursing

Definition

Nursing primarily refers to the profession or practice of providing care for the sick and infirm. It can also denote the act of breastfeeding.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (e.g., She is nursing her baby.)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɜrsɪŋ/
• Respelling: NUR-sing (with "NUR" as in "nurse," and "sing" as in "singing")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɜːsɪŋ/
• Respelling: NUR-sing (similar to American English, with "NUR" as in "nurse," and "sing" as in "singing")

In both dialects, "nursing" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "NUR." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "NUR-sing."

Etymology

The term "nursing" is derived from the Middle English word "nurice", which evolved from the Old French "nurice". The root refers to the act of nurturing or caring, originally related to raising or nourishing a child.

Derivatives

• Nurse
• Nursemaid
• Nurse-patient
• Nursed
• Nurse-practitioner

Synonyms

• Caregiving
• Tending
• Breastfeeding (in the context of feeding an infant)

Antonyms

• Neglecting
• Ignoring
• Abandoning

Usage

"Nursing" is most commonly associated with the healthcare profession, emphasizing care, empathy, and treatment.

• She completed her degree in nursing and now works at a prominent hospital.
• After giving birth, she learned the benefits and techniques of nursing her newborn.

Related Terms

• Medical care
• Health service
• Lactation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Healthcare Profession: A profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities, ensuring they maintain or recover optimal health and functionality.‍
• Example: Nursing is a noble profession that requires dedication and compassion.

• Act of Breastfeeding: The act of feeding an infant or young child with milk from the breast.‍
• Example: The doctor emphasized the importance of nursing for the baby's immunity and growth.

Verb

• To Care or Tend: To take care of or look after someone, especially in a medical context.‍
• Example: She is nursing her elderly mother through her illness.

• To Breastfeed: To feed a baby or young child with milk from the breast.‍
• Example: She is nursing her baby in the quiet room.

• To Harbor or Entertain (a belief, emotion, etc.): To keep or hold onto a specific emotion, belief, or idea.‍
• Example: He's been nursing a grudge against his colleague for years.