physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzi-shən 

plural physicians

1

: a person trained in the art of healing

specifically : a health care professional (such as a dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, or urologist) who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine

2

: someone or something that has a beneficial effect or influence

Do justice with mercy. That is what, in essence, the brilliant physician of the heart and soul, Maimonides, tried to teach us 900 years ago.

—Jack Weinstein

Synonyms

• croaker [slang]
• doc
• doctor
• medic
• medico
• sawbones [slang]

Examples of physician in a Sentence

you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever

Recent Examples on the Web

The company’s properties are in high-growth markets with a broad tenant mix that includes over 30 physician specialties. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024

Complaints made to the medical board are kept confidential unless the agency takes action against a physician, meaning the 2017 complaint was shielded from the public until this fall. —Max Filby, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024

The patient self-administers a lethal dose prescribed by a physician after two doctors have signed off on the procedure. —Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

There’s also still controversy over the best diagnostic criteria to use; the 2012 consensus hasn’t been universally accepted, and some physicians may rely on less stringent measures, which just adds to the confusion. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English phisicien, fisicien, from Anglo-French, from phisique medicine

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physician

• family physician
• physician assistant
• physician-assisted suicide
• physician's assistant

Kids Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a specialist in healing human diseases

especially : one educated and licensed to practice medicine

Medical Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a health-care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine