medical

adjective

med·​i·​cal ˈme-di-kəl How to pronounce medical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine
the medical profession
a medical journal
2
: requiring or devoted to medical treatment
a medical problem
an important advance in medical science
medically adverb

Examples of medical in a Sentence

He has a dangerous medical condition. The report was published in a leading medical journal. Her recovery was a medical miracle. He opened his own medical practice. an important advance in medical science
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Education Department has paused application processing for a key student loan forgiveness program for borrowers who have severe medical impairments. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 Those wanting to stay will have to have their biometric data collected and undertake a medical examination which includes tests for drug use and the presence of diseases such as HIV. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 The ants’ stunning medical abilities have the potential to help where human ones are falling short. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 By raising funds or donating resources, cannabis companies can help provide legal aid, job training, or even medical support for those who rely on cannabis for health reasons. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for medical 

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French médical, from Late Latin medicalis, from Latin medicus physician, from mederi to remedy, heal; akin to Avestan vī-mad- healer, Greek medesthai to be mindful of — more at mete

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near medical

Cite this Entry

“Medical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

medical

adjective
med·​i·​cal ˈmed-i-kəl How to pronounce medical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with the science or practice of medicine
a medical education
2
: requiring, providing, or used in medical treatment
medical emergencies
a medical device
medically adverb

Medical Definition

medical

1 of 2 adjective
med·​i·​cal ˈmed-i-kəl How to pronounce medical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine often as distinguished from surgery
2
: requiring or devoted to medical treatment
a medical emergency
medically adverb

medical

2 of 2 noun
: a medical examination

More from Merriam-Webster on medical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!