Definition of "convalescent" [con•va•les•cent]

• Recovering one's health and strength after a period of illness. (adjective)
• Of convalescence or convalescents (see below). (adjective)
• A person recovering from illness. (noun)

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• "(Think of those affectionate 80-somethings in convalescent homes, still holding hands.)"
• "Prevention of typhus by serum from convalescent patients presupposes the existence of such patients; moreover, the quantity of serum provided by a convalescent is very small."
• "These women are sometimes called convalescent nurses and, in cases where a graduate nurse is not required, they fill a real need in the community."