What does palliative mean Meaning and Definition
What does palliative mean
Pronunciation
/pəˈleɪtɪv/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A branch of medicine that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious or incurable illness, rather than curing the disease itself.
Etymology
The word “palliative” comes from the Latin “pallium,” meaning “cloak” or “covering,” and has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a treatment or relief that covers or alleviates symptoms, rather than curing the underlying disease.
Usage Notes
Palliative care is often used in conjunction with curative treatment, and its primary goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life, rather than extending their lifespan.
Additional Information
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach that involves a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, working together to provide comprehensive care to patients with serious or incurable illnesses. This care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, and community clinics. The goals of palliative care are to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families.
The use of palliative care has gained popularity in recent years, as more people are seeking relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. Palliative care is not just for end-of-life care, but can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, and can be used in combination with curative treatment.
Cultural References
The concept of palliative care has been featured in various TV shows and movies, such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Erin Brockovich.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “palliative.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Pain management
- Symptom relief
- End-of-life care
Collocations
- Palliative care team
- Palliative medicine specialist
- Palliative treatment options
Frequency of Use
The word “palliative” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but is used frequently in healthcare and medical settings.
Common Misspellings
- Pallatiative
- Pallatative