English Reference
adjective · noun

clinical

adj. · n.
US /ˈkɫɪnəkəɫ/ UK /klˈɪnɪkəl/ clin·i·cal

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    practicumrotation

Usage clinical trials · clinical trial · clinical director

Clinical hypnosis can also reduce the severity and impact of perimenopausal symptoms, says Voedisch.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Clinical trials of two possible treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola causing this outbreak began last month in Ituri.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

From clinic + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated