- convalesce
- late 15c., from L. convalescere "thrive, convalesce," from com- intensive prefix + valescere "to begin to grow strong," inchoative of valere "to be strong" (see valiant). Only in Caxton and Scottish writers until 19c.
- convalescent (adj.)
- 1650s, from L. convalescentem, prp. of convalescere (see convalesce). As a noun, attested from 1758.
- convalescence
- late 15c., from Fr. convalescence (15c.), from L. convalescentia "regaining of health," from convalescentem, from convalescere (see convalesce). Related: Convalescing (mid-17c.).