Definition of vet

The word "vet" as a shortened form of "veterinarian" originated in the mid-20th century. The term "veterinarian" comes from the Latin words "vetus," meaning "old" and "arius," meaning "pertaining to." In medical contexts, an old animal, or one that has served, was referred to as a "vetus." As the Latin term evolved into "veterinarian," it referred to a doctor or healer of animals. Over time, the term "vet" emerged as a colloquialism and contraction of "veterinarian," especially in informal settings. It was first recorded in the 1960s and gained widespread use in the 1970s. Today, the word "vet" is widely recognized as a shortened form of "veterinarian" and is commonly used in fields such as medicine, animal care, and beyond.