preceptor

[pri-sep-ter, pree-sep-]

noun

1. an instructor; teacher; tutor.

2. the head of a school.

3. the head of a preceptory.

preceptor

/ prɪˈsɛptə, ˌpriːsɛpˈtɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. a practising physician giving practical training to a medical student

2. the head of a preceptory

3. rare,  a tutor or instructor

Other Word Forms

• preceptorial adjective
• preceptress noun
• preceptorate noun
• preceptorship noun
• preceptoral adjective
• preceptorially adverb
• subpreceptor noun
• subpreceptoral adjective
• subpreceptorate noun
• subpreceptorial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preceptor¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word praeceptor. See precept, -tor

Example Sentences

"As an educator, Jutta nurtured many students, preceptors and clinicians to flourish and grow. That her work continues to enrich the tapestry of occupational therapy in Alberta is her legacy," the statement continued.

From BBC

I am bold to say I was his preceptor in politics and taught him everything that was good and solid in his whole political conduct.”

From Literature

"So we've been having conversations with the training partners that we work with about their staffing needs, and talking about how we can increase capacity, staffing their clinics with our preceptors," Hunt said.

From Salon

Under the guidance of my new preceptors I entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained my undivided attention.

From Literature

The departures are also taking their toll on nursing education, which relies on clinical instructors and preceptors, the experienced, hands-on nurses who mentor students on the job.

From Seattle Times