ENGLISH
REFERENCE

attending

v. · n. · adj.
US //əˈtɛndɪŋ// UK //ɐtˈɛndɪŋ// at·tend·ing
  1. 1 being present (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of going to or being at an event, like a meeting or a school.

    the present participle of 'attend', used to describe the act of being present at a scheduled event or institution.

    Example

    Attending the weekly meetings is a requirement for all staff members.

    Example

    Attending the conference provided the researchers with a valuable opportunity to network with international colleagues in their field.

  2. 2 senior doctor (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Medicine

    a senior doctor in a hospital who supervises other doctors and students.

    a senior staff physician at a hospital who has completed residency and supervises junior doctors and medical students.

    Example

    The attending told the medical students to check the patient's heart rate again.

    Example

    After reviewing the test results, the attending decided to adjust the patient's medication before the morning rounds concluded.

    Usage

    Often used as a noun in clinical settings to refer to the person in charge of a patient's care.

    Teacher's tip

    This is the standard term in the US and Canada; the British equivalent is usually 'consultant'.

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  1. 3 accompanying (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    happening at the same time as something else.

    occurring as a consequence or accompaniment to something else; concomitant.

    Example

    The high fever and attending aches made it impossible for him to work.

    Example

    The rapid expansion of the city brought many attending problems, such as increased traffic and a shortage of affordable housing.

Origin

From attend + -ing.

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