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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The medical examiner ruled the manner of her death as a homicide, FOX 35 Orlando, WESH and Click Orlando reported. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 24 July 2025 The victim’s body was sent to the Suffolk County medical examiner’s office as part of the ongoing investigation. Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death. Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 In 2023, while Smith's case was under review, per the complaint, the medical examiner who testified at Smith's trial informed the Conviction Integrity Unit and the State Appellate Defender Office that given the information available today, the manner of death should be undetermined. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for medical examiner

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical examiner was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Medical examiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical%20examiner. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

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