ENGLISH
REFERENCE

medical

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈmɛdəkəɫ// UK //mˈɛdɪkəl// med·i·cal Academic Archaic General-service Informal

n. a physical examination by a doctor to check your general health. You often need one before starting a new job or joining a sports team.

n. a comprehensive physical examination performed by a medical professional to assess an individual's fitness for a specific purpose.


SIMPLE

I have to go for a medical tomorrow morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The airline requires all new pilots to pass a rigorous medical before they can begin their flight training.

COMPLEX

Although he appeared to be in peak physical condition, the athlete failed his medical due to an underlying heart condition that had previously gone undetected.

Synonyms
Antonyms
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”).

Usage

Commonly used in British and Commonwealth English to refer to the examination itself; in American English, 'physical' is often preferred.

Pitfall

I am studying medicalI am studying medicineLearners often use the adjective 'medical' or the noun for an exam when they mean the field of study, which is 'medicine'.

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