medical

/ˈmɛdəkəl/

/ˈmɛdɪkəl/

Other forms: medicals

Medical can describe the practice of medicine, or a type of illness or injury. If bright red spots have erupted all over your arms, you probably have some sort of medical condition, and it would be wise for you to visit a doctor.

Medical comes from the Latin word mederi, meaning "to heal," which is exactly what medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are trained to do. When you arrive at your doctor's office or local emergency room complaining of various medical conditions ranging from strep throat to a sprained wrist, doctors provide the necessary medical care.

Definitions of medical

1. adjective

   relating to the study or practice of medicine
   “the medical profession”

   “a medical student”

   “medical school”
2. adjective

   requiring or amenable to treatment by medicine especially as opposed to surgery
   “medical treatment”

   “pneumonia is a medical disease”

   antonyms:

   surgical

   relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine

   preoperative

   happening or done before and in preparation for a surgical operation

   postoperative

   happening or done after a surgical operation
3. adjective

   of or belonging to Aesculapius or the healing art
   synonyms: aesculapian
4. noun

   a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person
   synonyms: checkup, exam, examination, health check, medical checkup, medical exam, medical examination

   type of:

   examination, scrutiny

   the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)