How do you pronounce 'pediatric' correctly?

Hello everyone, I've always been curious about the correct pronunciation of 'pediatric'. I've heard it said both ways - 'ped-ee-at-ric' and 'ped-i-at-ric'. Which one is it? And what's the origin of the word? Thanks in advance for your help!

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Hi PedsNursePam, the word 'pediatric' is derived from the Greek words 'paideia' (rearing of children) and 'iatros' (healer). The correct pronunciation is 'ped-i-at-ric', emphasizing the second syllable. The other pronunciation, 'ped-ee-at-ric', is less common but still used in some regions.

It's interesting to note that the word 'pediatrician' is also often mispronounced. The correct way to say it is 'ped-ee-uh-tri-shuhn', but many people say 'ped-i-uh-tri-shuhn'. In any case, the most important thing is to provide excellent care for children, regardless of how we pronounce the words!

I'm glad we could clear up any confusion about the pronunciation of 'pediatric'! It's always good to learn new things, even if they seem trivial. By the way, if you're interested in learning more about pediatric research and advancements, check out our latest blog post on the topic. Thanks for being part of our community!