medical examination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “medical examination” mean?
A thorough physical or mental check conducted by a doctor or other qualified health professional to assess a person's state of health.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thorough physical or mental check conducted by a doctor or other qualified health professional to assess a person's state of health.
Any systematic review or inspection of a subject (e.g., equipment, documents) by an expert, analogous to a health check.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'medical' is the common full term. In the US, 'physical' or 'physical examination' is more common in everyday contexts for routine check-ups, though 'medical examination' remains standard in official/legal contexts.
Connotations
UK: Standard formal term for any professional health assessment. US: Can sound slightly more bureaucratic or official than 'physical'.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English. In US English, 'physical' is dominant for general health check-ups, while 'medical examination' is used in insurance, employment, or legal paperwork.
Grammar
How to Use “medical examination” in a Sentence
undergo a medical examinationrequire a medical examinationpass/fail a medical examinationconduct/perform a medical examination (on someone)be referred for a medical examinationa medical examination for (a purpose/job)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medical examination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The occupational health doctor will medically examine all new staff.
- He was medically examined prior to the expedition.
American English
- The company physician will examine you medically for the insurance policy.
- All pilots must be medically examined on a regular schedule.
adverb
British English
- The procedure was performed medical-examination style.
- He reviewed the patient medical-examination thoroughly.
American English
- The inspector went over the plane medical-examination fastidious.
adjective
British English
- The medical-examination room is on the second floor.
- He failed the medical-examination criteria.
American English
- You'll need a medical-examination form from HR.
- The medical-examination requirements are quite strict.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Required for new employees or for insurance purposes.
Academic
Studied in medical and public health courses.
Everyday
Talking about a doctor's appointment for a general health assessment.
Technical
A formal procedure with documented findings, often following a specific protocol.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “medical examination”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “medical examination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medical examination”
- Using 'medical exam' without 'examination' can be ambiguous (could mean a test for medical students). Confusing 'medical examination' (general) with 'surgical operation'. Using incorrect prepositions: 'medical examination of' (the procedure) vs. 'medical examination for' (the purpose).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'medical examination' is a more formal, official term often used in legal, employment, or insurance contexts. A 'check-up' is more informal and general, typically for routine preventative care.
Not typically. It usually involves non-invasive procedures like listening to your heart, checking reflexes, and asking questions. Some specific tests ordered as part of it might be uncomfortable.
In some contexts, yes (e.g., 'I have to get a medical for my new job'), but it's more colloquial and can be ambiguous. 'Medical examination' is clearer and more complete.
It varies greatly. A basic pre-employment check might take 20-30 minutes. A comprehensive executive health assessment can take half a day or more.
A thorough physical or mental check conducted by a doctor or other qualified health professional to assess a person's state of health.
Medical examination is usually formal to neutral in register.
Medical examination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmed.ɪ.kəl ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmed.ɪ.kəl ɪɡˌzæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a clean bill of health (often the result)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEdical EXAMination: a doctor EXAMINES you MEDICALLY.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS A MACHINE UNDER INSPECTION. (e.g., 'The doctor will check all your systems.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'medical examination' LEAST likely to be used in casual US English?