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DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

156 / 291
adjective / noun

medical

MED-ih-kuhl/ˈmedɪkl/

Of professional care intended to maintain or restore health.

A clinician uses a stethoscope during the patient's medical examination.

A clinician listens to an adult patient's chest with a stethoscope in a sparse clinic vignette, medical treatment context, fully clothed patient.
Etymology
medicLatinphysician or healer
+alLatinof, relating to

The pieces give the sense “of a physician.” Medical describes what belongs to the physician’s field—the art and practice of healing—including illness, treatment, and care.

In context

History Before Sleep30:02
Not medicine, but punishment dressed up in medical authority. Not healing, but harm.
🕯️🛋️🧠 The Neurasthenia Epidemic — When Being a Modern Woman Was a Disease 📜😴 | History for Sleep

More examples

  • A deep cut may need immediate medical attention.
  • She keeps her medical records in a folder.
  • The pilot schedules a medical with an aviation examiner.

Forms

medical · medicals

medically adverb — In a way related to health care.

Similar words

clinical
Specifically concerns examining and treating patients, rather than broader health matters.
therapeutic
Emphasizes treatment that helps someone recover or feel better.