Apgar

Apgar is a noun that refers to a test to determine a newborn’s health. Originating in the 1960s, our word of the day is named after Virginia Apgar, the American anesthesiologist who devised a method of assessment. It is used in medical contexts to measure the physical condition of a newborn infant. Here’s an example: The patient gave birth to a nine pound, five our boy who achieved a perfect Apgar score. She was delighted to bring home a healthy child.