-iatrics

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 iātrikós, meaning “of healing,” from iātrós, “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 Words 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 gérōn, 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?