valetudinarian
pronunciation
How to pronounce valetudinarian in British English:
UK ['vælɪˌtju:dɪ'neərɪən]
How to pronounce valetudinarian in American English:
US ['væləˌtjudən'erɪrn]
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- Noun:
- weak or sickly person especially one morbidly concerned with his or her health
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- Adjective:
- of or relating to or characteristic of a person who is a valetudinarian
Word Origin
- valetudinarian (n.)
- "one who is constantly concerned with his own ailments," 1703, from valetudinary (1580s), from Latin valetudinarius, from valetudo "state of health" (either good or bad), from valere "be strong" (see valiant) + -tudo, abstract noun suffix (see -tude). Valetudinary (adj.) "sickly" is recorded from 1580s.
Example
- 1. His method proved successful in his case , but he was a valetudinarian , and most people would need something more vigorous .