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

That was followed days later by an executive abruptly collapsing during questioning and being taken away by ambulance, only for doctors to later find no serious medical issue, the media report said. —John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

Navy dive medical technicians are trained in both advanced diving operations and emergency medicine, with expertise in handling patients in extreme environments. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026

McKidd joined the long-running medical drama in 2008 and confirmed his departure just last month. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

Defense outlines medical history Four additional expert witnesses testified Tuesday as part of the defense's effort to outline Horner's medical and mental‑health history. —Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 22 Apr. 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