physician
noun
phy·si·cian
fə-ˈzi-shən 
plural physicians
1
: a person trained in the art of healing
specifically
: a health-care professional (such as a dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, or urologist) who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine
2
: someone or something that has a beneficial effect or influence
Do justice with mercy. That is what, in essence, the brilliant physician of the heart and soul, Maimonides, tried to teach us 900 years ago.—
Jack Weinstein
Jack WeinsteinSynonyms
Examples of physician in a Sentence
you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever
Recent Examples on the Web
Although Dean was unable to eat, lost about 20 pounds in three weeks and had severe nausea, the detention’s medical staff did not take him to be seen by a physician, the report said citing ICE’s investigation into Dean’s death.
—Daniella Silva, NBC News, 25 June 2024
The biggest one was that physicians were having difficulty getting certain tests and treatments for obesity covered by insurance carriers.
—Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
Exceptions: Abortions must be performed by a licensed physician.
—Kinsey Crowley, The Courier-Journal, 24 June 2024
But some physicians have begun to provide care more liberally.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for physician 
Daniella Silva, NBC News, 25 June 2024
The biggest one was that physicians were having difficulty getting certain tests and treatments for obesity covered by insurance carriers.
—Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
Exceptions: Abortions must be performed by a licensed physician.
—Kinsey Crowley, The Courier-Journal, 24 June 2024
But some physicians have begun to provide care more liberally.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for physician
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physician.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near physician
Cite this Entry
“Physician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physician. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
physician
noun
phy·si·cian
fə-ˈzish-ən
: a specialist in healing human diseases
especially
: one educated and licensed to practice medicine
Medical Definition
physician
noun
phy·si·cian
fə-ˈzish-ən
: a health-care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine
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