Orphan
Orphan
Orphan (/ˈɔːrfən/; from the Greek ορφανός, orphanós, "child without parents") is a term used to describe a child whose parents are deceased, unknown, or have permanently abandoned them. In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents due to death is called an orphan.
Etymology
The word "orphan" comes from the Greek ορφανός (orphanós), which means "bereft", "parentless". The word was adopted into Latin as orphanus, and from there it entered English.
Related Terms
- Orphanage: An institution dedicated to the care of orphans.
- Foster care: A system in which a minor has been placed into a ward, group home, or private home of a state-certified caregiver, referred to as a "foster parent" or with a family member approved by the state.
- Adoption: The process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents.
- Guardian: A person who has been appointed by a judge to take care of a child or incompetent adult (both called "ward") personally and/or manage that person's affairs.
- Ward (law): A person, usually a minor, placed under the care of a legal guardian.
- Child abandonment: The practice of relinquishing interests and claims over one's offspring in an extralegal way with the intent of never again resuming or reasserting guardianship.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Orphan
- Wikipedia's article - Orphan
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