balneology

noun

bal·ne·ol·o·gy | \ ˌbal-nē-ˈä-lə-jē

How to pronounce balneology (audio)

\

Definition of balneology

: the science of the therapeutic use of baths

Did You Know?

Sure, the hot water feels good. Sure, the massage is nice. But it goes beyond that, advocates say. So wrote Ellen Creager in an article published on February 18, 2001 in the Detroit Free Press. The healing powers of mineral baths have long been touted by advocates like those mentioned by Creager. Though we've had the word balneology for just over 120 years, this method of treating aching muscles, joint pain, and skin ailments goes back to ancient times. Proponents of the science of bath therapy created the name "balneology" from the Latin word balneum ("bath") and the combining form "-logy" ("science"). Today, some medical institutes in Europe have departments of balneology. Modern "balneologists" impart their knowledge to, or themselves serve as, "balneotherapists," who apply their "balneotherapy" to grateful clients.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about balneology

Listen to Our Podcast about balneology

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries near balneology

Statistics for balneology

Cite this Entry

“Balneology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balneology. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for balneology

balneology

noun

bal·ne·ol·o·gy | \ ˌbal-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē

\

plural balneologies

Medical Definition of balneology

: the science of the therapeutic use of baths

Comments on balneology

What made you want to look up balneology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

abhor

Listen to the pronunciation of abhor

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

What is a ruelle?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ