What is clinical? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of clinical in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of clinical

clinicaladjective

lâm sàng

/ˈklɪnɪkl//ˈklɪnɪkl/

Where does the word clinical come from?

The word "clinical" has its roots in the 15th-century Latin term "clinica," which referred to a hospital or infirmary. This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "klinē," meaning "bed" or "couch." In ancient Greece, the kline was a bed or couch where patients would lie while being treated by doctors. In the 17th century, the term "clinical" emerged in English, initially referring to the beds or wards of a hospital where patients received treatment. Over time, the term came to describe the practical application of medical knowledge in a real-world setting, often referring to bedside manner, patient care, and hands-on diagnosis and treatment. Today, the term "clinical" is used in a variety of contexts, from medicine and healthcare to psychology and social work, to describe any activity that involves direct observation, assessment, and treatment of patients or clients.

Vocabulary summary clinical

typeadjective

meaning(belonging to) the sickroom, in the sickroom, (belonging to) the clinic

exampleclinical lectures: lecture in the sick room

meaningthe pair of sauces

Example of vocabulary clinicalnamespace

meaning

relating to the examination and treatment of patients and their illnesses

  • clinical research (= done on patients, not just considering theory)
  • clinical training (= the part of a doctor’s training done in a hospital)
  • She regarded her patients from a purely clinical standpoint.
meaning

cold and calm and without feeling or sympathy

  • He watched her suffering with clinical detachment.
  • How can you be so cold and clinical about your son’s accident?
meaning

very plain; without decoration

  • Everything in the nursery was white and clinical and there were no pictures on the walls.

Synonyms and related words for clinical


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