We had a lot of coverage of this word a few months ago, but I don't recall any attention
being paid to the etymology. The discussion from MW below, is not really clear.




One entry found for nosocomial.



Main Entry: nos·o·co·mi·al
Pronunciation: "nä-s&-'kO-mE-&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin nosocomium hospital, from Late Greek
nosokomeion, from Greek nosokomos one who tends the sick, from
nosos disease + -komos; akin to Greek kamnein to suffer, toil, Sanskrit
sAmyati he tires
Date: circa 1843
: originating or taking place in a hospital <nosocomial infection>

The word today is used to cover illnesses, particularly infection, acquired while
in the hospital, very often from aerosols containing bacteria, from unwashed hands,
from unsterilized equipment
I was reminded of it by word "epinosic" meaning both "unhealthy" and "unhealthful".
Also: Epinosic - The psychoanalytical term for secondary gain.

Dr. Bill, on a related note, are there any words that share the same root as "iatrogenic"?

Dear Alex: I could coin the word "iatrolatry" but think number of people who feel this
way be rather small. I'm sure I have met "iatrophobes". Your turn.

Oh lord have I ever met iatrophobes. One of my most recent patients was one. A young woman, she had an enlarging pelvic mass for which she would not seek attention. It got so large that she and her husband were unable to have sex. He evntually tricked her into going to the gynecologist (and let us give him the benefit of the doubt as to his motives) by telling her they were going to Wal-Mart.

I guess the word "psychiatry" has the "iatro" root as its suffix. i.e. psych + iatro

And I am a geriatric case.

Sounds like autoiatrophobia. Physician, heal thyself.

I used to give myself autopsychiatric treatments:"Every day, in every way, I am getting
better and better."
D'apres Emile Coué.