dietitian
UK: ˌdaɪəˈtɪʃən | US: ˌdaɪəˈtɪʃən
n. a healthcare professional who specializes in dietetics, nutrition, and food science, often providing dietary advice and meal planning.
dietitian = diet<food/nutrition> + itian<profession suffix>
- diet: From Greek diaita (way of life, regimen), later Latin dieta (daily food allowance).
- itian: A suffix derived from Latin -itianus, indicating a practitioner or specialist (e.g., physician).
Etymology Origin:
The word dietitian combines diet (rooted in ancient concepts of regulated nutrition) with the professional suffix -itian, reflecting its modern role as a scientific discipline. The term emerged in the early 20th century as nutrition science formalized, blending Greek/Latin roots with English occupational naming conventions.
The dietitian designed a balanced meal plan for the athlete.
Consult a dietitian to manage your diabetes effectively.
She became a licensed dietitian after years of study.
The hospital’s dietitian ensures patients receive nutritious meals.
A dietitian can help decode confusing food labels.