Origin: Latin suffix -ary
Veterinary has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
"The veterinarian examined the dog's leg and prescribed medication to help it heal."
A veterinary surgeon; a veterinarian.
"The local veterinary examined my dog and prescribed medication for his infection."
In plain English: A veterinarian is an animal doctor who treats sick pets and livestock.
"The injured dog was taken to see the veterinary for treatment."
of or relating to veterinarians or veterinary medicine
"The hospital is a dedicated facility where all care focuses on animals under the supervision of trained veterinarians."
Of or relating to the medical or surgical treatment of animals, especially domestic and farm animals.
"The veterinary team performed emergency surgery on the injured horse at the local clinic."
In plain English: Veterinary means anything related to doctors who treat animals instead of people.
"The veterinarian treated my dog's injured paw at the clinic yesterday."
Usage: Use this adjective specifically when describing treatments, care, or professionals that deal with non-human animals rather than humans. It is often paired directly with nouns like "medicine," "clinic," or "surgeon" to clarify the field of practice.
The word veterinary comes from the Latin term for cattle or beasts of burden. It entered English to describe a doctor who treats these animals.