Physician
WordNet
noun
(1) A licensed medical practitioner
"I felt so bad I went to see my doctor"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From fisicien from from from from φυσική επιστήμη (knowledge of nature) from φυσικός (pertaining to nature) from φύσις (nature) from φύειν (to bring forth, to produce) from . Displaced native læche, leche "physician" (from lǣċe "physician, medical doctor").
Noun
- A practitioner of physic, i.e. a specialist in internal medicine, especially as opposed to a surgeon; a practitioner who treats with medication rather than with surgery.
- A medical doctor trained in human medicine.
- 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island
- The doctor had to go to London for a physician to take charge of his practice...
- 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island
Usage notes
- In the UK and British commonwealth countries, a physician holds a postgraduate degree such Master of General Medicine or fellowship certificate such MRCP or FRCP from the Royal College of Physician in UK. In the United States, the term is frequently regulated by State laws, and in all States includes those with the D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) and in many, but not all States those with the D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree.