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diplomate

diplomate

1 9.9
A doctor with an official certificate from a medical board
  • noun
  • /ˈdɪpləˌmeɪt/
  • Specialized
: diplomado
  • The Diplomate credential identifies a psychologist who has demonstrated advanced competency in a specialty area of professional psychology.
  • Diplomate in psychology
  • Diplomate credential
  • Diplomate certification

Examples

  • Board Certified Psychologists hold the Diplomate credential awarded by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in a particular area of specialization.

    Academic text (2000)
  • A diplomate in psychiatry has completed extensive training and is certified by a professional board.

  • Does your high school have a Diplomate in School Psychology?

    Academic text (2000)
  • The Diplomate is prepared to provide a wide range of services beyond testing and screening for special education students.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The daily availability of a Diplomate in School Psychology is highly essential.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Every high school in a democracy is in urgent need of the services of a Diplomate in School Psychology.

    Academic text (2000)
  • A Diplomate in School Psychology can serve as a trusted personal consultant on such matters.

    Academic text (2000)
  • At the latest count, there were 224 School Psychology Diplomates in good standing.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The ABPP Diplomate is the highest practitioner credential.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The authors insist that the Diplomate in School Psychology is the best promise for "delinquency prevention" in our nation.

    Academic text (2000)

Surface Forms

diplomate singular
diplomates plural

Morphology

diplomate = diploma (semi-transparent) = diploma + ate

The form suggests 'diploma' + an agentive suffix so a learner can infer 'person with a diploma', but the specialized sense 'board-certified medical specialist' goes beyond the simple inference.

Etymology

Diplomate names someone who has an official certificate called a diploma. That diploma comes from the Greek diplo- meaning 'double' because old certificates were folded, so a diplomate is someone officially qualified by that paper.