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medical

adj. · n.
US //ˈmɛdəkəɫ// UK //mˈɛdɪkəl// med·i·cal
  1. 1 relating to medicine (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Medicine

    related to the treatment of illness and the work of doctors.

    pertaining to the science or practice of medicine, healthcare, and the treatment of disease.

    Example

    She decided to go to medical school to become a heart surgeon.

    Example

    The patient's medical records were transferred to the specialist to ensure continuity of care during the treatment process.
  2. 2 needing treatment (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    describing a condition that needs a doctor's help.

    requiring professional healthcare intervention or therapeutic treatment.

    Example

    He had a medical emergency and had to call an ambulance.

    Example

    The athlete was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a medical condition that required immediate rest.
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  1. 3 a physical exam (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Medicine

    a complete health check-up by a doctor.

    a comprehensive physical examination to determine an individual's health status.

    Example

    I have to pass a medical before I can start my new job.

    Example

    The pilot underwent a rigorous annual medical to ensure he met the strict health requirements for commercial aviation.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'have', 'take', or 'pass'.
Origin

Borrowed from French médical, from Medieval Latin medicālis, from Latin medicus. Replaced Old English lǣċe (“doctor (physician)”), which is cognate with Icelandic læknir (“doctor”).

Word family

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