postoperative

adjective

post·​op·​er·​a·​tive ˌpōst-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce postoperative (audio)
-pə-ˌrā-
1
: following a surgical operation
postoperative care
2
: having recently undergone a surgical operation
a postoperative patient
postoperatively adverb

Examples of postoperative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As part of the VAD process, healthcare providers encourage caregivers to participate in preoperative and postoperative education. Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Bacterial infections, such as wounds, urinary tract infections, some cuts and scrapes, pneumonia, dental infections, and postoperative infections, can all lead to sepsis, as can viruses such as COVID-19. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024 Some evidence even suggests aesthetics and environment may contribute to faster postoperative recovery. Kristine Gill, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2024 Pain management and wound healing: Pain management is crucial to postoperative care. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for postoperative 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of postoperative was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near postoperative

Cite this Entry

“Postoperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postoperative. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

postoperative

adjective
post·​op·​er·​a·​tive ˈpōst-ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce postoperative (audio)
1
: relating to, occurring in, or being the period following a surgical operation
postoperative care
2
: having recently undergone a surgical operation
a postoperative patient
postoperatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on postoperative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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