English Reference
adjective · noun

medical

adj. · n.
US /ˈmɛdəkəɫ/ UK /mˈɛdɪkəl/ med·i·cal UK spelling medicals

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Medicine

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The patient's medical records were transferred to the specialist to ensure continuity of care during the treatment process.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    adj.describing a condition that needs a doctor's help.

    adj.requiring professional healthcare intervention or therapeutic treatment.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The athlete was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a medical condition that required immediate rest.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal Medicine

    n.a complete health check-up by a doctor.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

    check upexamination

Usage medical care · medical treatment · medical attention


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

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

This entry
Origin Latin medicus
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated