medical examiner

American  

noun

1. a physician or other person trained in medicine who is appointed by a city, county, or the like, to perform autopsies on the bodies of persons supposed to have died from unnatural causes and to investigate the cause and circumstances of such deaths.

2. a physician retained by an insurance company, industrial firm, or the like, to give medical examinations to its clients or employees.

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medical examiner British  

noun

1. a medical expert, usually a physician, employed by a state or local government to determine the cause of sudden death in cases of suspected violence, suicide, etc Compare coroner

2. a physician who carries out medical examinations

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Etymology

Origin of medical examiner

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

“How do you do an autopsy? What are you looking for? Why do you choose to become a medical examiner?”

From Los Angeles Times

The health department compiles the annual report from records provided by the Los Angeles County medical examiner augmented by state death certificates.

From Los Angeles Times

Army spokesperson said that, out of respect for his family, the Army will not be releasing further information on Marzan until the medical examiner completes a positive identification of his body.

From Los Angeles Times

The toddler was identified by the Los Angeles County medical examiner as Myrah Hunter.

From Los Angeles Times

The city’s medical examiner later attributed both deaths to drownings, and the police found no evidence of criminality.

From The Wall Street Journal