Definition

A method of sorting people or things based on their need for help or importance, often used in medical situations to decide who should receive treatment first.

Example

During the emergency, the medical team had to perform triage to prioritize patients based on their injuries.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new system for handling emergencies at the hospital?

Yeah, I think they’re implementing triage to prioritize patients more effectively.

That sounds really helpful, especially during busy hours.

Absolutely! It can save lives by ensuring the most critical cases are treated first.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To sort or prioritize items or people based on their urgency or importance, often used in medical contexts to determine who needs immediate care.

Example

The nurse had to triage the patients quickly to ensure that the most critical cases were seen first.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the new system they use in the ER?

Yeah, I heard they triage patients based on how serious their conditions are.

That sounds efficient; it must help save lives.

Root Explanation

Triage comes from the French word 'trier' (meaning to sort or to choose). The term originally referred to the process of sorting patients based on the severity of their condition in medical emergencies. Therefore, 'triage' means the act of sorting or classifying, particularly in a medical context.

Memory Tip

Think of the French word 'trier' which means to sort — this helps you remember that 'triage' is about sorting patients based on their needs.

Visually Confused Words