Surgeon: meaning, definitions and examples

⚕️
Add to dictionary

surgeon

 

[ ˈsɜːrdʒən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical profession

A surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing surgery to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. Surgeons are highly trained professionals who use surgical instruments to operate on patients. They are responsible for making incisions, repairing tissues, and ensuring the well-being of their patients during and after the surgical procedures.

Synonyms

doctor, operating room specialist, physician.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
surgeon

Use this word when referring to a medical professional who performs surgeries. This term implies a specialized skill in surgical procedures.

  • The surgeon successfully performed the heart transplant.
  • She is a renowned brain surgeon.
doctor

This is a general term for a person who is qualified to treat people who are ill. It can refer to both general practitioners and specialists.

  • I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow.
  • Doctors work tirelessly to provide care for their patients.
physician

This is a formal term often used in a more professional or academic context. It typically refers to a doctor who has completed advanced training and obtained a medical degree.

  • The physician diagnosed the patient with a rare disease.
  • He is a respected physician in the medical community.
operating room specialist

This is a broader term that could refer to any medical professional who specializes in operating room procedures, not just surgeons but also nurses and anesthesiologists who work in that environment.

  • The operating room specialist ensured that all instruments were sterilized.
  • Operating room specialists play a crucial role during surgeries.

Examples of usage

  • He underwent surgery performed by a skilled surgeon.
  • The surgeon successfully removed the tumor from the patient's brain.
  • After the accident, the surgeon had to repair multiple fractures in the patient's leg.
Context #2 | Noun

military context

In a military context, a surgeon is a medical officer who provides medical care to wounded soldiers in the field or at military hospitals. These surgeons are trained to deal with emergency situations, perform life-saving procedures, and stabilize patients before they can be transported to a proper medical facility.

Synonyms

combat surgeon, field doctor, medical officer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
surgeon

Already defined above. Please use the single definition provided.

medical officer

A broad term that can refer to any physician in a military, governmental, or corporate role. They may not necessarily perform surgeries, but oversee medical operations and health policies.

  • The medical officer was responsible for the health of all crew members on the ship.
  • He works as a medical officer for the Department of Health.
field doctor

A medical professional who provides care outside of traditional hospital settings, often in remote or emergency situations. This can include military settings, but also natural disasters or other crises.

  • The field doctor administered first aid to the earthquake victims.
  • As a field doctor, she worked in refugee camps around the world.
combat surgeon

A surgeon who operates in military settings, often on the front lines or in combat zones. This role requires dealing with trauma and injuries specific to warfare.

  • The combat surgeon treated several soldiers injured in the explosion.
  • He served as a combat surgeon during the war.

Examples of usage

  • The battlefield surgeon worked tirelessly to save the lives of injured soldiers.
  • The military surgeon operated under extreme conditions to treat wounded troops.
  • The army surgeon treated a wide range of injuries on the front lines.

Translations

Translations of the word "surgeon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cirurgião

🇮🇳 सर्जन

🇩🇪 Chirurg

🇮🇩 dokter bedah

🇺🇦 хірург

🇵🇱 chirurg

🇯🇵 外科医

🇫🇷 chirurgien

🇪🇸 cirujano

🇹🇷 cerrah

🇰🇷 외과 의사

🇸🇦 جراح

🇨🇿 chirurg

🇸🇰 chirurg

🇨🇳 外科医生

🇸🇮 kirurg

🇮🇸 skurðlæknir

🇰🇿 хирург

🇬🇪 ქირურგი

🇦🇿 cərrah

🇲🇽 cirujano

Etymology

The word 'surgeon' originated from the Middle English 'surgeon', and ultimately from the Old French 'cirurgien', which was derived from the Latin 'chirurgia', meaning 'handwork of a surgeon'. The role of surgeons has evolved over centuries, from ancient practices of trepanation to modern surgical techniques. Surgeons play a vital role in the medical field, constantly advancing their skills and knowledge to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

See also: resurgence, upsurge.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,197 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.