veterinary medicine

noun

: a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, management, and treatment of disease and injury in domestic and wild animals
About 36 percent of all veterinarians now devote themselves to small-animal practice. Correspondingly, the discipline of veterinary medicine has become more scientific and specialized.Bayard Webster
Another successful non-traditional treatment being steadily incorporated into western veterinary medicine is acupuncture.Faith A. Uridel

Examples of veterinary medicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vaccine was developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast’s (UniSC) veterinary medicine division in eastern Australia and is another step towards ensuring the survival of the marsupial. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2025 The vaccine, manufactured by Tréidlia Biovet and approved by Australia's veterinary medicine regulators, is a major move in helping to keep these animals away from the brink of extinction and prevent unnecessary suffering through this disease. New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025 Schnuelle had a degree in veterinary medicine with areas of clinical emphasis in dairy production medicine, bovine embryology, and canine reproduction, according to Auburn University's website. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Meet the Experts Jamie Richardson is head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary. Molly Higgins, Wired News, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for veterinary medicine

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of veterinary medicine was in 1790

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Veterinary medicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veterinary%20medicine. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

veterinary medicine

noun
: a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, management, and treatment of disease and injury in domestic and wild animals
Stem cells are most commonly used in clinical veterinary medicine in therapeutic applications for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in horses and dogs.Lisa A. Fortier and Alexander J. Travis, Stem Cell Research and Therapy
Acupuncture is being used much more commonly now as a sole or integrative modality in veterinary medicine and can play a large role in management of inflammation and chronic pain.Shauna L. Cantwell, Topics in Companion Animal Medicine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!