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clinic

n.
US //ˈkɫɪnɪk// UK //klˈɪnɪk// clin·ic
  1. 1 medical facility (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    a place where people go to receive medical treatment or advice, often without staying overnight.

    a healthcare facility or department of a hospital primarily devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of outpatients.

    Example

    I have an appointment at the dental clinic tomorrow morning.

    Example

    The local health clinic provides essential immunisations and prenatal care for families living in the rural district.

    Usage

    Often used with a modifying noun to specify the type of care, such as 'fertility clinic' or 'eye clinic'.

  2. 2 specialised session (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a meeting or class where people get expert advice or training on a specific subject.

    a session or seminar conducted for the purpose of diagnosis, instruction, or problem-solving in a particular field.

    Example

    The coach is holding a basketball clinic to help players improve their shooting.

    Example

    The legal aid society organised a weekly clinic where residents could receive pro bono advice on housing disputes.

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  1. 3 political meeting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a regular time when a politician meets with the people they represent to hear their problems.

    a scheduled period during which a member of parliament or local official meets with constituents to discuss grievances or requests.

    Example

    The MP holds a clinic every Friday afternoon in the town hall.

    Example

    During her constituency clinic, the representative addressed concerns regarding the proposed changes to local transport subsidies.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, this is often called a 'surgery', but 'clinic' is also used for this specific political context.

Origin

Borrowed from French clinique, from Late Latin clīnicus (“a bed-ridden person, one baptized on a sick-bed, a physician”), from Ancient Greek κλῑνικός (klīnikós, “pertaining to a bed”), from κλῑ́νη (klī́nē, “bed”), from κλῑ́νω (klī́nō, “to lean, incline”).

Word family
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