physical examination

noun

: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of an individual

Examples of physical examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Health care workers should sanitize their hands before and after patient contact regardless of whether that contact involves a handshake, a physical examination, or a procedure. — Zain Khawaja, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026

Over time, your symptoms and physical examination findings may begin to fit one of these diagnoses more than the others. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2026

There was no autopsy — only a physical examination that showed no evidence of defensive wounds or assault. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

The two conditions can be especially difficult to distinguish because both are largely diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms and physical examination rather than one definitive test, according to Schwartz. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for physical examination

• deindustrialization
• immunoprecipitation
• individualisation
• individualization
• institutionalisation
• institutionalization
• internationalization
• neovascularization
• operationalization
• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration

Kids Definition

physical examination

noun

: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of a person

Medical Definition

physical examination

noun

: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of an individual