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

He was evaluated by the medical staff, hit in the cage and decided to play. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

In the most extreme scenarios, such surgical robots could provide medical care in remote regions on Earth or during space missions that lack human surgeons. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026

The medical tent treated a record 250 runners, seeing body temperatures of 108 degrees. — Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026

When the ambulance was finally dispatched, officials also considered calling for an emergency medical helicopter, the records show. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

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
• medical spa

Rhymes for medical

• pedicle
• aeromedical
• biomedical
• paramedical
• nonmedical
• premedical

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