postoperative

UK: /ˌpəʊstˈɒpərətɪv/ | US: /ˌpoʊstˈɑːpərətɪv/

Definition

  1. adj. occurring or existing after a surgical operation

  2. adj. relating to the period following a surgical procedure

Structure
post <after>operate <perform surgery>ive <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "postoperative" combines three clear morphemes:

  1. "Post-" (from Latin post, meaning "after") marks temporal sequence.
  2. "Operate" (from Latin operari, "to work") evolved in medical context to mean "perform surgery."
  3. "-ive" (Latin -ivus) forms adjectives indicating relation or tendency.
    The term emerged in medical English (early 19th century) to describe care or conditions after surgery, reflecting systematic medical terminology development.
Examples

  1. The patient was moved to the postoperative recovery room.

  2. Postoperative pain management requires careful monitoring.

  3. She experienced nausea as a common postoperative symptom.

  4. The surgeon reviewed the postoperative instructions with the family.

  5. Infections are a potential postoperative complication.