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
ˈme-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce medical (audio)
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.
That included four adults who were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, two adults who refused treatment, and three minors -- ages 8, 11 and 17 -- who were also transported for treatment. — Alex Stone, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2025 Chou also pointed to the importance of quantum’s advancements in the medical space. — Rachel Curry, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025 By 1890, however, with medical literature reporting more than 400 cases of acute toxicity brought on by the drug, cocaine had lost its luster. — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025 As a result, Illinois has better informed medical and public health professionals who are prepared to protect their patients from the health impacts of climate change and to discuss risks with their patients. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 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

Phrases Containing medical

Rhymes for medical

See All Rhymes for medical

Browse Nearby Words

Medicaid
medical
medical center
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Medical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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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
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce medical (audio)
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
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce medical (audio)
adverb

medical

2 of 2 noun
: a medical examination

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