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

Zay suggested a medical examiner, appointed by the county board chair with the consent of the board, could provide a more professional environment. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

According to the medical examiner, the cause and manner of death of all three victims has not yet been determined. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Once local authorities complete their investigation, the case materials, including the autopsy report by the state medical examiner, will be presented to a grand jury, which will decide whether Wells' death involved a crime. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

He was asked to recall details from an interview with the medical examiner regarding strangulation. — Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 13 Aug. 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