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medical

MED-i-kuhl/ˈmɛdɪkl̩/

6 meanings of medical

Practice

  1. 1
    health fieldadjective
    About medicine, doctors, and people's health.

    She decided to pursue a medical career after finishing college.

    The clinic offers a wide range of medical services to the community.

    UsageUsually used before a noun: medical school, medical care, a medical student.

  2. 2
    as a remedyadjective
    Meant to treat illness or injury, or relieve symptoms.

    Her doctor said medical cannabis might help with the pain.

    The farm grows the plant for medical use, not for food.

    UsageUsed in phrases such as medical cannabis, medical marijuana, and for medical use. For plants, people usually say medicinal.

    Similarmedicinal, therapeutic, curative

  3. 3
    needing a doctoradjective
    Needing treatment from a doctor or another health professional.

    Trouble breathing is a medical emergency, so call for help right away.

    A high fever in a small baby is a medical issue, so call a doctor.

    UsageOften in a medical emergency or a medical problem.

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    fitness examnouncolloquialcountable
    A check by a doctor to see if someone is healthy.

    Like a car getting checked over before a long trip.

    He has to pass a medical before joining the team.

    The job offer depends on a medical next week.

    UsageYou have or pass a medical, often before a new job.

    Similarphysical, checkup, examination, exam

    Note
  2. 5
    no operationadjective
    Using medicine and other care, not an operation.

    The doctors chose a medical approach instead of operating.

    Her illness was managed with medical treatment alone, avoiding surgery.

    UsageIt means not by operation: a medical ward treats people without surgery.

    Note
  3. 6
    doctornounarchaic
    A doctor, or someone else trained to practice medicine.
    We medicals have a better way than that. When we dislike a friend of ours, we dissect him.
    1884, Robert Louis Stevenson, The Body SnatcherHere, medicals means doctors, people who practice medicine.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from French médical, which goes back to Latin medicus meaning doctor.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts