I. ˈhelth also -ltth noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl whole, healthy — more at whole
1.
a. : the condition of an organism or one of its parts in which it performs its vital functions normally or properly : the state of being sound in body or mind
nursed him back to health
he is the picture of health
dental health
mental health
— compare disease
b. : the condition of an organism with respect to the performance of its vital functions especially as evaluated subjectively or nonprofessionally
how is your health today
never in better health
her health is very delicate
broken in health
went traveling for his health
2. : flourishing condition : well-being , vitality , prosperity
one more indication of the health of this pulsating … art form — Harriet Johnson
expected the capitalist system to retain some degree of health — F.C.Barghoorn
a serious menace to our economic health — F.L.Allen
3. : a toast to someone's health, well-being, or prosperity
“to her Majesty!” he said … and drank a long health — Theodore Bonnet
proposed the health of the ladies — B.A.Botkin & A.F.Harlow
II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or engaged in welfare work directed to the cure and prevention of disease
a health center
health agencies
2. : of, relating to, or conducive to health
health foods
health drinks
health education