Clinic

Definition

Clinic refers to a healthcare facility that provides outpatient services, medical consultations, and treatments for patients without requiring an overnight stay. Clinics can be specialized or general, offering a range of services from routine check-ups to specialized medical care.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (a healthcare facility offering outpatient services)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklɪnɪk/
• Respelling: KLIN-ik

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklɪnɪk/
• Respelling: KLIN-ik

Etymology

The word "clinic" comes from the French word "clinique," which is derived from the Greek "klinein," meaning "to lean or lie down." Originally, it referred to bedside teaching in medicine, but over time, it evolved to describe a place where medical care is provided to patients.

Derivatives

• Clinical (adjective)
• Clinician (noun)
• Clinically (adverb)
• Clinic-based (adjective)
• Polyclinic (noun)

Synonyms

• Healthcare center
• Medical facility
• Outpatient center

Antonyms

• Hospital
• Inpatient facility
• Emergency room

Usage

The term "clinic" is widely used in the healthcare industry to describe facilities where patients receive medical treatment or consultations without being admitted to a hospital. For example, "She went to the local clinic for her annual check-up." Clinics can specialize in various medical fields, such as dental, pediatric, or fertility care.

Related Terms

• Outpatient: A patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.
• Medical practice: A place where medical professionals provide healthcare services.
• Primary care: Basic healthcare provided by general practitioners.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A healthcare facility providing outpatient services: Refers to a place where medical consultations, treatments, and procedures are offered without the need for overnight stays.
  • Example: "The local clinic offers free flu shots to residents."
• A session or meeting focused on a specific subject or training: Refers to specialized instruction or a workshop, often used in educational or sports contexts.
  • Example: "The tennis clinic helped improve her game."