Medic: meaning, definitions and examples

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medic

 

[ ˈmɛdɪk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

healthcare

A person trained and skilled in the art of healing; a doctor, dentist, nurse, or other healthcare professional.

Synonyms

doctor, healthcare professional, nurse, physician.

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Word Description / Examples
medic

Used primarily in military or emergency contexts. It generally refers to someone who provides medical assistance in these specific situations.

  • A medic arrived at the scene within minutes of the accident.
  • During the war, he served as a combat medic.
doctor

Commonly used to refer to someone who has medical or dental training and is licensed to practice medicine. This term is also widely used in educational fields for those holding a doctoral degree.

  • I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow.
  • She became a doctor after years of hard work and study.
physician

A more formal term for a doctor, especially in American English. It often emphasizes a medical professional who is focused on direct patient care.

  • The physician recommended a full examination for a proper diagnosis.
  • He is a well-respected physician at the local hospital.
nurse

Refers to someone who is trained to care for the sick, usually in a hospital or clinical setting. Nurses often provide direct patient care and assist doctors.

  • The nurse checked my vital signs when I arrived at the hospital.
  • She decided to become a nurse because she wanted to help people.
healthcare professional

A broad term encompassing anyone working in the healthcare field, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists.

  • Healthcare professionals are on the frontlines of the pandemic.
  • The conference was attended by healthcare professionals from various specialties.

Examples of usage

  • Medics are often the first responders in emergency situations.
  • The medic administered the necessary treatment to the injured soldier.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A military personnel specially trained to provide medical treatment in combat situations.

Synonyms

combat medical technician, field medic, paramedic.

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Word Description / Examples
medic

General term for a person who provides medical care, commonly used in both civilian and military settings without specific roles defined.

  • The medic rushed to the injured player on the field.
  • She decided to become a medic to help people in emergencies.
paramedic

A highly trained medical professional who works mainly in emergency medical services (EMS), responding to urgent health crises and providing pre-hospital care.

  • The paramedic arrived at the accident scene within minutes.
  • People in the community look up to paramedics for their lifesaving skills.
field medic

Refers to a medical professional who provides medical care in the field, typically in military contexts, emphasizing their location away from fixed medical facilities.

  • The field medic carried a heavy medical pack to treat injuries on-site.
  • As a field medic, she often works in remote or dangerous areas.
combat medical technician

Specifically refers to a trained medical professional in the military who provides medical care on the battlefield.

  • The combat medical technician quickly provided first aid to the wounded soldier.
  • During the intense firefight, the combat medical technician stayed calm and focused on his task.

Examples of usage

  • The medics rushed to help the wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
  • He trained as a combat medic before being deployed.

Translations

Translations of the word "medic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 médico

🇮🇳 चिकित्सक

🇩🇪 Arzt

🇮🇩 dokter

🇺🇦 лікар

🇵🇱 lekarz

🇯🇵 医者 (いしゃ)

🇫🇷 médecin

🇪🇸 médico

🇹🇷 doktor

🇰🇷 의사 (uisa)

🇸🇦 طبيب

🇨🇿 lékař

🇸🇰 lekár

🇨🇳 医生 (yīshēng)

🇸🇮 zdravnik

🇮🇸 læknir

🇰🇿 дәрігер

🇬🇪 ექიმი (ekimi)

🇦🇿 həkim

🇲🇽 médico

Etymology

The word 'medic' originated in the mid-16th century, derived from the Latin word 'medicus' meaning 'physician'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to both healthcare professionals and military personnel trained in medical care. The dual usage of the word reflects the importance of medical expertise in both civilian and military contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,582, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.