To slowly recover your health and strength after an illness or operation. It usually means a gentle, resting period rather than sudden healing.
From Latin *convalescere* 'to grow strong, recover', from *con-* 'together, completely' and *valescere* 'to grow strong', related to *valere* 'to be strong, well'. It has long been used in medical and hospital contexts.
Convalesce is the fancy word for that in-between time when you’re not sick enough for the hospital but not fully back to normal. It highlights that healing is a process of regaining strength, not just the moment a fever disappears. Older cultures even had special 'convalescent homes' just for this stage.
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