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

Despite growing progress, women still only made up 38% of the US physician workforce as of 2023, according to a recent data report. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Jan. 2025

At the same time, AI could also further erode physician autonomy. —Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

According to physician Melinda Ring, director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the acceptable daily intake of Red No. 3 is a maximum of 0.1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 16 Jan. 2025

Prospect had previously struck a deal to sell its physician groups and other assets to Astrana Health. —Caitlin Owens, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025

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