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  1. Home /
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  3. English Dictionary /
  4. medical

medical

/ˈmɛdɪkəl/
relating to medicine or healthcare

She works in a medical facility.

This means she works in a place related to healthcare, such as a hospital or clinic.


Medicine
formal

relating to the practice of medicine or the treatment of diseases

The medical team performed a successful surgery.

The healthcare professionals successfully completed a surgical procedure.

Often used in formal contexts, such as medical reports, healthcare settings, and academic discussions.

general

requiring medical attention or treatment

He suffered a medical emergency.

He experienced a sudden health crisis that required immediate medical care.

Used to describe situations where medical intervention is necessary.

Collocations

medical carehealthcare services provided by professionalsmedical schoolan institution where people study to become doctorsmedical historya record of a patient's past illnesses and treatments

Synonyms

medicinalhealthcareclinical

Antonyms

non-medicallayperson

Related Phrases

medical emergencyphrase
a sudden health crisis requiring immediate attention
medical schoolphrase
an institution where people study to become doctors

Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

'Medical' is often used in formal contexts, such as medical reports or professional settings. In everyday conversation, you might use 'healthcare' or 'doctor' instead.

Gold Rule

Correct Usage

Use 'medical' to describe anything related to the practice of medicine, such as 'medical treatment' or 'medical facility'.

Word Origin

From Latin 'medicus' (physician) + '-al' (suffix forming adjectives). First recorded in English in the late 14th century.

Usage Notes

The word 'medical' is commonly used in formal and professional contexts related to healthcare. It can refer to anything connected to the practice of medicine, including facilities, professionals, treatments, and conditions.

Word Breakdown

medic
relating to healing or medicine
root
+
-al
forming adjectives
suffix
English Dictionary
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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.