# medical

/ˈmɛdəkəɫ/ (US) · /mˈɛdɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/medical
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. relating to medicine

adjective · CEFR A2

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

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

- She decided to go to medical school to become a heart surgeon.
- The patient's medical records were transferred to the specialist to ensure continuity of care during the treatment process.

### 2. needing treatment

adjective · CEFR B1

describing a condition that needs a doctor's help.

For teachers: requiring professional healthcare intervention or therapeutic treatment.

- He had a medical emergency and had to call an ambulance.
- The athlete was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a medical condition that required immediate rest.

### 3. a physical exam

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a complete health check-up by a doctor.

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

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

## Examples

- I have to go for a medical tomorrow morning.
- The airline requires all new pilots to pass a rigorous medical before they can begin their flight training.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.