locum tenens

American  

[loh-kuhm tee-nenz, ten-inz] / ˈloʊ kəm ˈti nɛnz, ˈtɛn ɪnz /

noun

Chiefly British.

plural

locum tenentes

1. a temporary substitute, especially for a doctor or member of the clergy.

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locum tenens British  

/ ˈləʊkəm ˈtiːnɛnz /

noun

1. Often shortened to: locum.  a person who stands in temporarily for another member of the same profession, esp for a physician, chemist, or clergyman

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Other Word Forms

• locum-tenency noun

Etymology

Origin of locum tenens

First recorded in 1635–45; from Medieval Latin locum tenēns “holding the place”

Example Sentences

Nearly nonverbal, Scrat wouldn’t even require a locum tenens; of all the movie’s sins, his omission is unforgivable.

From New York Times

Kory said he now works as a “locum tenens” physician — a doctor who works in temporary jobs — and as president and chief medical officer of the Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance.

From Washington Post

Some hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, have established so-called “locum tenens” services, essentially medical temp agencies that provide doctors who can fill in when physicians in rural areas need a break.

From Seattle Times

I might have to engage a locum tenens.

From Project Gutenberg

I could not spare more than a fortnight from work, leaving Lennard as my locum tenens.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backup
• replacement
• stand-in
• surrogate