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.
Etymology
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
Not medicine, but punishment dressed up in medical authority. Not healing, but harm.
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.