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Beginner's Dictionary
       

hos·pi·tal

hospital

 
 
pronunciation:
ha spih tl
features:
Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition: a place where sick or hurt people go to find care or help.
Mr. Walker had to go to the hospital for an operation.
 
similar words:
clinic, institution
Word History
The words hospital and hospitality both come from a Latin word for "guest-house." During the Middle Ages in England, houses of shelter for the poor and needy were called "hospitals." "Hospital" did not mean "a place for sick people" until 1549.
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