The spelling of the word "ambulatory" can be a bit tricky due to its Latin origin. It is pronounced /æm'bjuːlətɔːri/ (am-BYOO-luh-tor-ee), with the stress on the second syllable. The preliminary letter "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat," followed by the "m" sound. The "b" and "u" are pronounced consecutively, representing a consonant blend. The "u" sounds like the "oo" in "boot." The "o" in "tory" represents a long "o" sound, and the "i" and "e" at the end are pronounced collectively as "ee."
Ambulatory is an adjective that is used to describe something related to walking, capable of walking, or intended for walking. It can be used in various contexts to refer to different aspects.
In medical terms, ambulatory refers to a patient who is able to walk and is not confined to a bed or wheelchair. It can also denote a healthcare facility or unit that provides medical services to patients who are capable of walking and do not require overnight stays.
Ambulatory can also be used in architecture to describe a covered walkway, typically with colonnades, that connects different parts of a building or provides a sheltered path for pedestrians. This type of ambulatory is often found in religious structures or courtyards, such as monasteries and cathedrals.
In a broader sense, ambulatory can describe an activity that involves moving or walking around, such as ambulatory training or ambulatory exercises. It can also refer to a transition or change that occurs while in motion, such as ambulatory growth in plants, where growth happens while the plant is mobile.
Overall, ambulatory is a versatile term that pertains to walking, movement, or activities related to walking, and can be applied in various contexts including healthcare, architecture, exercise, and natural sciences.
• A place for walking.
• That has the power of walking.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ambulatory" comes from the Latin word "ambulatorius", derived from the verb "ambulare", meaning "to walk". In Latin, "ambulatorius" referred to something or someone related to walking. Over time, the word was adopted into Middle English as "ambuler", and eventually evolved into the modern English word "ambulatory", which means "able to walk" or "relating to walking". In a medical context, an "ambulatory" person is someone who is capable of walking and not confined to a bed. Additionally, "ambulatory" can also refer to a covered passage or walkway, often found in monasteries, hospitals, or churches, allowing people to walk from one place to another.