Final answer:
The root 'palliat' in palliative means 'to cloak' and refers to care aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life rather than curing the illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root palliat in the term palliative originates from the Latin word palliare, which means 'to cloak' or 'to cover'. In medical terminology, palliative refers to care or treatment that is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is not to cure the illness, but to offer comfort and improve quality of life for both the patient and their family. This is typically done in the context of serious, life-limiting conditions, including various types of cancer, and may include pain management, emotional support, and other holistic therapies in conjunction with or after curative treatments.
Hospice care is a form of palliative healthcare specific to terminally ill patients, with a focus on comfort and support rather than cure-oriented treatments. It can take place in hospice centers or increasingly, at home. Thanatology is the systematic study of death and dying, which includes the understanding and application of palliative care.