[ ˌdʒɛrɪ'atrɪk ]
■ adjective
1》 relating to old people.
2》 informal decrepit or out of date.
■ noun an old person, especially one receiving special care.
Origin
1920s: from Gk gēras 'old age' + iatros 'doctor', on the pattern of paediatric .
Usage
Geriatric is the normal, semi-official term used to refer to the health care of old people ( a ~ ward ). When used outside such contexts, it typically carries overtones of being decrepit and can therefore be offensive if used with reference to people.