medical

adjective

med·​i·​cal ˈme-di-kəl 

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 

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

What was once thought impossible is now on the horizon as the medical cannabis and pharmaceutical industries continue to overlap. —Benjamin Adams, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

By offering the bears verbal encouragement—and treats like carrots and apples—keepers can train them to participate in their own medical care: for example, by teaching the animals to hold out a paw for a blood draw or stand up on cue for a visual examination of the torso and legs. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025

When to Seek Emergency Care In some cases, shortness of breath can be a medical emergency. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025

The youngster suffered minor injuries to his head, back and arm, but refused medical attention, his mother said. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing medical

• emergency medical technician
• major-medical
• medical cannabis
• medical center
• medical examiner
• medical facility
• medical history
• medical marijuana
• medical opinion
• medical practitioner

Kids Definition

medical

adjective

med·​i·​cal ˈmed-i-kəl 

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 

adverb

Medical Definition

medical

1 of 2 adjective

med·​i·​cal ˈmed-i-kəl 

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 

adverb

medical

2 of 2 noun

: a medical examination