Words / B1

KLIN-ikl/ˈklɪnɪkl/

Clinical means connected with treating patients: clinical trials; clinical staff. It can also mean coldly practical, without emotion (a clinical assessment of the risks). Medical is close; clinic is the place (already in the dictionary). Do not call a friendly GP clinical as an insult in the “cold” sense without cause. Clinical negligence is a UK legal phrase.

Meaning

Connected with the treatment of patients; also coldly practical, without emotion.

Examples

• “The drug must complete clinical trials before it can be prescribed.”
• “The drug must pass clinical trials before prescription.”
• “Her clinical summary of the budget ignored the human cost, which is the “cold” sense.”

Good to know

clinical trials / staff / negligence. Place: clinic. Coldly practical: a clinical analysis. Close: medical.

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