clinic
- 01 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“I have an appointment at the dental clinic tomorrow morning.”
In context“The local health clinic provides essential immunisations and prenatal care for families living in the rural district.”
UsageOften used with a modifying noun to specify the type of care, such as 'fertility clinic' or 'eye clinic'.
- 02 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.
Simple“The coach is holding a basketball clinic to help players improve their shooting.”
In context“The legal aid society organised a weekly clinic where residents could receive pro bono advice on housing disputes.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The MP holds a clinic every Friday afternoon in the town hall.”
In context“During her constituency clinic, the representative addressed concerns regarding the proposed changes to local transport subsidies.”
Teacher's tipIn British English, this is often called a 'surgery', but 'clinic' is also used for this specific political context.
Synonyms
“Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, has died aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of Rosario after a long illness, the family have announced.”
“They also shed light on whether people believe they can expect fair treatment when they walk through the clinic door.”
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.