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The combining form -iatrics is used like a suffix meaning “healing, medical practice.” It is used to name types of medical treatments or branches of medicine.

The combining form -iatrics ultimately comes from the Greek ����ٰ�����ó��, meaning “of healing,” from ����ٰ�ó��, “healer.” The Greek iatro-, source of iatro-, is a corresponding form of -iatric combined to the beginning of words.

The form -iatrics is specifically composed of -iatry, as in psychiatry, which is closely related in use to -ics, denoting a particular science, art, subject, or activity.

The combining form -iatric is used as an adjective form of nouns ending in -iatrics. A pediatric surgeon is a type of specialist in pediatrics, for instance.

Learn about their specific applications in our �y��vlogs That Use articles for the forms.

One term you may have come across that features the combining form -iatrics is geriatrics, “the branch of medicine dealing with the diseases, debilities, and the care of aged people.”

The first part of the word, ger-, comes from the Greek ��é��ō��, meaning “old man.” The second part of the word, -iatrics, means “healing” and is used to name branches of medicine. Geriatrics, then, has a literal sense of “healing older people”—that is, medical care for older folks.

What are some words that use the combining form -iatrics?

• phoniatrics
• pediatrics
• physiatrics

What are some other forms that -iatrics may be commonly confused with?

• -hydric
• -iasis
• -iana
• -ical
• -ician
• -istic

The combining form ped- has various meanings, including “child.” What is pediatrics?