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

Follow traditional bike safety measures Hospitals and medical groups like the American College of Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons have called for stricter policies and offered safety tips. —Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Officers worked to free the trapped passenger and provided medical aid until other EMS personnel and rescue crews arrived. —Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Itemized deductions include mortgage interest, medical expenses above a certain threshold, charitable donations, and state and local taxes and property taxes, known as SALT. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,lorie Konish,kamaron McNair,greg Iacurci,mike Winters,sarah Agostino, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026

Before arriving, all guests fill out a medical form addressing altitude tolerance, frostbite risk, and ability to walk without needing to pause. —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 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