Dictionary
hos•pi•tal
Pronunciation: (hos'pi-tl), [key]—
n.
1. an institution in which sick or injured persons are given medical or surgical treatment.
2. a similar establishment for the care of animals.
3. a repair shop for specific portable objects:
violin hospital; doll hospital.
4. Brit.an institution supported by charity or taxes for the care of the needy, as an orphanage or old people's home.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.