'convalescent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'convalescere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'valescere' meant 'to grow strong.'

'convalescere' transformed into the French word 'convalescent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'convalescent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to grow strong together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'recovering from illness.'