medical
Americanadjective
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of or relating to the science or practice of medicine.
medical history; medical treatment.
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curative; medicinal; therapeutic.
medical properties.
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pertaining to or requiring treatment by other than surgical means.
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pertaining to or giving evidence of the state of one's health.
a medical discharge from the army; a medical examination.
noun
adjective
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of or relating to the science of medicine or to the treatment of patients by drugs, etc, as opposed to surgery
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a less common word for medicinal
noun
Usage
What does medical mean? Medical describes something related to the science or practice of medicine, as in My doctor’s medical experience with cancer is extensive. Medical also describes something that provides a cure or therapy for an illness or disease, as in Garlic has medical properties that have been widely studied. Example: He has to receive medical treatment one way or another.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of medical
1640–50; < Medieval Latin medicālis, equivalent to Latin medic ( us ) medical (adj.), physician (noun) (derivative of medērī to heal; see -ic) + -ālis -al 1
Explanation
Medical can describe the practice of medicine, or a type of illness or injury. If bright red spots have erupted all over your arms, you probably have some sort of medical condition, and it would be wise for you to visit a doctor. Medical comes from the Latin word mederi, meaning "to heal," which is exactly what medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are trained to do. When you arrive at your doctor's office or local emergency room complaining of various medical conditions ranging from strep throat to a sprained wrist, doctors provide the necessary medical care.
Vocabulary lists containing medical
National Nurses Week: Common Medical Terms
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"Refugees Find New Lives"
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Chapter 15: The Spirit of Reform
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“As a result, Ian required medical treatment,” the band’s statement read.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
In May, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed it had dismissed 11 members of staff for inappropriately accessing medical records, while 12 had received final written warnings and two had first written warnings.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
He introduced bills for a clearer medical exception and protection for doctors who intervened in cases where a fatal fetal anomaly risked the mother’s health.
From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026
If a person in the diocese comes to fear that they or their loved one has been bodily possessed by a demon, the diocese launches an investigation involving medical, psychological, and psychiatric testing.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
Few doctors have ever used a microscope, because it is not considered a medical instrument.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
