Definition of 'patient'

patient

(peɪʃənt )

Word forms: patients

1. countable noun

A patient is a person who is receiving medical treatment from a doctor or hospital. A patient is also someone who is taken care of by a particular doctor.

The earlier the treatment is given, the better the patient's chances.

She was tough but wonderful with her patients.

2. See also customer

3. adjective

If you are patient, you stay calm and do not get annoyed, for example, when something takes a long time, or when someone is not doing what you want them to do.

Please be patient – your check will arrive.

patiently adverb [ADV with v]

She waited patiently for Frances to finish.

patient in American English

(ˈpeɪʃənt ; pāˈshənt)

adjective

bearing or enduring pain, trouble, etc. without complaining or losing self-control

refusing to be provoked or angered, as by an insult; forbearing; tolerant

calmly tolerating delay, confusion, inefficiency, etc.

able to wait calmly for something desired

showing or characterized by patience

a patient face

steady; diligent; persevering

a patient worker

7. Rare

receiving action; passive

noun

a person receiving care or treatment, esp. from a doctor

9. Rare

a person who receives an action

10. Grammar

the word or words designating the person or thing affected by the action of the verb

Idioms:

patient of

Derived forms

patiently (ˈpatiently)

adverb

Word origin of 'patient'

ME pacient < OFr < L patiens, patient, prp. of pati: see passion

patient

(ˈpeɪʃənt )

adjective

enduring trying circumstances with even temper

tolerant; understanding

capable of accepting delay with equanimity

persevering or diligent

a patient worker

5. archaic

admitting of a certain interpretation

noun

a person who is receiving medical care

7. rare

a person or thing that is the recipient of some action

Derived forms

patiently (ˈpatiently)

adverb

Word origin of 'patient'

C14: see patience

Example sentences containing 'patient'

Primary care trusts are not good at value for money or understanding what patients need. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Patient care improved too because the deal encouraged quality. The Sun (2008)All of this calls for a new kind of patient who thinks differently about healthcare. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Can one of his fellow patients help give him a reality check? The Sun (2013)Set your nephew a good example by being a source of calm and patient good humour. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The charity says that isolation is a serious problem for cancer patients. Times, Sunday Times (2013)His report said both groups of patients should get the highest employment and support allowance. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Using it resulted in twice as many patients suppressing the virus. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Some hospitals have also cancelled operations to make way for the most seriously ill flu patients. Times, Sunday Times (2011)What should the relationship between doctor and patient be? Christianity Today (2000)The general criticism is that it takes too long for our patients to see a consultant. Times, Sunday Times (2007)We were very good defensively and we were also very patient. Times, Sunday Times (2013)At present there is a problem with using them for treating patients. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The obese patients suffered more from infections and fatal heart conditions. Times, Sunday Times (2006)The report also said overweight doctors and nurses were setting a bad example to patients. The Sun (2013)Three healthcare assistants have been charged after an investigation into the alleged abuse of elderly hospital patients. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Successful treatment with one patient is not enough. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Pilots will be set up to train nurses and healthcare assistants together in offering basic care to patients. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Childcare used to be thought of as a job for kind and patient people rather than the academically gifted. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Examples of poor practice uncovered included locking bedroom and other doors without explanation and patients staying in rehabilitation services for long periods. Times, Sunday Times (2011)In Afghanistan she had only a single day in which no patients arrived. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Miles was one of the loyal, patient workers. The Times Literary Supplement (2014)Both do their best to improve the food that arrives at a patient's bedside. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Many patients are given mild sedatives or anti-depressants. Knowles, Jane Know Your Own Mind (1991)