medical

American  

[med-i-kuhl] / ˈmɛd ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the science or practice of medicine.

   medical history; medical treatment.

2. curative; medicinal; therapeutic.

   medical properties.

3. pertaining to or requiring treatment by other than surgical means.

4. pertaining to or giving evidence of the state of one's health.

   a medical discharge from the army; a medical examination.

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noun

medicals plural

1. something done or received in regard to the state of one's health, as a medical examination.

medical British  

/ ˈmɛdɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the science of medicine or to the treatment of patients by drugs, etc, as opposed to surgery

2. a less common word for medicinal

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noun

1. informal a medical examination

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

• antimedical
  adjective
• nonmedical
  adjective
• pseudomedical
  adjective
• quasi-medical
  adjective
• unmedical
  adjective
• antimedically
  adverb
• medically
  adverb
• nonmedically
  adverb
• pseudomedically
  adverb
• quasi-medically
  adverb
• unmedically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• medicals
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, the American Heart Association and 10 other medical organizations also released updated guidelines recommending that many people begin cholesterol lowering therapy at younger ages.

From Science Daily • Jul. 6, 2026

What parent, who genuinely put their children’s interests over their own wishes, would leave a medical debt to accumulate, unknown to their own daughter?

From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026

“Smaller, separated shade coverings also help maintain open pathways for emergency responders, lifeguard vehicles and medical personnel who may need to reach an emergency quickly.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2026

Iran's official news agency Irna reported on Sunday that more than 4,000 people had visited medical centres located in and near the Grand Mosalla - though no deaths had been recorded.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2026

I’d hoped to understand the story about Saul and Jonas, put a medical asterisk on that family legend, but if family is important, then the next generation has to get their chance.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

Related Words

• medicinal
• therapeutic