An infirmary is a specialized facility that provides medical care and treatment to individuals who are ill or injured. It is typically located within a larger institution, such as a hospital, school, or prison, and is staffed by trained medical professionals. The primary purpose of an infirmary is to provide medical care to those who need it, whether that be in the form of first aid, minor treatments, or ongoing medical management. In addition to providing medical care, an infirmary may also serve as a place of refuge for individuals who are in need of a safe and secure environment. This may include individuals who are recovering from surgery or illness, or those who are in need of protection from outside threats. As such, an infirmary may be equipped with security features such as locked doors and surveillance cameras, as well as comfortable amenities such as private rooms and entertainment options. Another important aspect of an infirmary is its role in promoting health and wellness. In addition to providing medical care, an infirmary may offer educational programs and resources to help individuals maintain good health and prevent illness. This may include classes on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, as well as access to resources such as health screenings and vaccinations. Overall, an infirmary plays a vital role in the provision of medical care and support to individuals in need. Whether as a place of refuge, a source of medical treatment, or a center for health promotion and education, an infirmary is an essential component of any institution that values the health and wellbeing of its members.
medical care, treatment, security, health promotion, education
CITATION : "Jacob Smith. 'Infirmary.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=387606 (Accessed on July 08, 2025)"
The word ‘infirmary' can be traced back to the late Middle English ‘infirmarie’, which derived from the Old French ‘enfermerie’, itself a derivative of the Latin ‘infermeria’, meaning ‘an institution for the infirmed’. The English word then underwent evolutionary changes to its current form, but has maintained its root meaning. Morphemically, it is composed of ‘in-’, a prefix signifying ‘in’ or ‘within’, and ‘-firmary’, which comes from the Latin ‘firmare’, meaning ‘to establish’ or ‘to make firm’. Therefore, when taken together, ‘infirmary’ indicates a place in which the infirm are established or made firm, or in other words, a place in which they can receive care. Pragmatically, the term is used to refer to an institution, usually within a school or hospital system, that specializes in the care of the ill or injured.
Etymology, Morphology, Infirmary, Pragmatics, Latin
The word “Infirmary” is classified as a noun, signifying a place where someone who is ill can be treated, usually referring to a hospital or clinic. Synonyms include medical facility, hospital, clinic, infirmary, and sanatorium. Antonyms can include healthy, strong, and well. Cognates vary by language, but would include words such as infirmary, hospital, and medical center. Variants can include an infirmary with a location, such as a school infirmary or a university infirmary.
etymology morphological analysis linguistics terminology linguistic analysis study research history medical hospital clinic infirmary sanatorium
Infirmary is a term used to describe a place where medical treatment is given, such as a hospital, clinic or medical office. In other languages, infirmary may be referred as sick bay (English), dispenzario (Italian), infirmerie (French), dispensario (Spanish), krankenhaus (German), Klink (Dutch), Cystern (Polish), leprozeri (Swedish), and sköterska (Danish).
Medical office, hospital, clinic, treatment, sick bay, dispenzario, infirmerie, dispensario, krankenhaus, Klink, Cystern, leprozeri, sköterska
An infirmary is a room or facility within a larger building, usually a school, hospital, or prison, that is designed for medical purposes. It can be used to provide basic medical care, such as first aid, vaccinations, or minor treatments, or it can be used as a place for medical staff to assess and monitor the health of occupants. The layout of an infirmary is often designed to meet the needs of the occupants, and may include a reception area, a treatment room, an examination room, and a patient waiting area. Special consideration is typically given to the privacy and safety of the occupants, and the infirmary may feature secure entry points, secure storage areas, and soundproof walls. Additionally, the infirmary may be equipped with medical equipment, such as an X-ray machine, an ultrasound machine, and an electrocardiogram machine.
Infirmary, medical, treatment, room, safety.
Infirmary is a common setting for stories in anime, comic, and manga, depicting an indoor location for characters to receive medical treatment. Very often, these images emphasize the contrast between the sterile, cold hospital environment and the warmth of the characters within. This often includes a medical bed, a doctor or nurse in background, medical devices, and a locker full of medical supplies. In some cases, the infirmary may also feature a waiting room, private offices, and examination rooms.
Medical center, health care, hospital, doctor, nurse, treatment.
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