medical examiner

noun

: a usually appointed public officer whose duties are similar to those of a coroner but who is typically required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

Examples of medical examiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Handy died as the result of a stab wound to the torso and neck compression, according to medical examiner records reviewed by PEOPLE. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

The medical examiner determined Leyden died from blunt force trauma to the head and other physical injuries. —Katie Houlis, CBS News, 11 June 2026

The medical examiner’s role, spelled out in Florida statute, requires the dead be identified, injuries and wounds be documented and cause and manner of death be determined. —Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026

On Wednesday, a medical examiner ruled the woman’s death a homicide, DiMartino said. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for medical examiner

• interlaminar
• laminar

Medical Definition

medical examiner

noun

1

: a usually appointed public officer with duties similar to those of a coroner but who is required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

2

: a physician employed to make medical examinations (as of applicants for military service or of claimants of workers' compensation)

3

: a physician appointed to examine and license candidates for the practice of medicine in a political jurisdiction (as a state)

Legal Definition

medical examiner

noun

med·​i·​cal examiner

: a public officer who determines the necessity of and conducts autopsies