wean

wean

 [wēn]

1. to discontinue breastfeeding and substitute other feeding habits.

2. to discontinue bottle feeding and substitute feeding by a cup or some other means.

3. in respiratory therapy, to gradually decrease dependence on assisted ventilation until the patient is able to breathe spontaneously. See also ventilator.

wean

(wēn),

To implement weaning.

[A.S. wenian]

wean

(wēn)

tr.v. weaned, weaning, weans

To accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling.

wean

Old English, to accustom verb Critical care To transition a Pt from dependence on mechanical ventilation–MV to spontaneous auto-regulated breathing. See Pulmonary function tests, V/Q ratio PediatricsTo transition an infant from dependence on maternal–ie, breast milk to milk from other sources or other forms of sustenance.

wean

(wēn)

To implement weaning.

[A.S. wenian]