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clinical

adj. · n.
US //ˈkɫɪnəkəɫ// UK //klˈɪnɪkəl// clin·i·cal
  1. 1 medical practice (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    relating to the examination and treatment of real patients rather than just studying in a lab or classroom.

    pertaining to the direct observation and treatment of patients, as opposed to theoretical or laboratory-based study.

    Example

    The new drug is now entering clinical trials to see how it affects real people.

    Example

    The professor emphasized that while textbook knowledge is essential, nothing replaces the intuition gained during years of clinical experience.

  2. 2 medical training session (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a lesson where medical students learn by watching a doctor work with a real patient.

    a period of practical medical instruction conducted at the bedside of a patient or in a healthcare facility.

    Example

    The nursing students have their first clinicals at the local hospital next week.

    Example

    During her clinicals, she rotated through several departments, including pediatrics and emergency medicine, to gain a broad perspective.

Origin

From clinic + -al.

Word family

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