Doctor

Licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine.

physician MD

A doctor is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine. Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions to improve patient health and well-being. Their roles vary widely, encompassing primary care, surgery, specialized fields (like cardiology or neurology), and research.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɒktər/

Etymology

From Middle English doctour, from Old French docteur, from Latin doctor (teacher, learned person).

Explain Like I’m 5

Doctors are trained professionals who help people feel better when they're sick or injured, like a pediatrician for kids or a surgeon for fixing broken bones.

Fun Facts

The word 'doctor' originally meant teacher
Ancient Egyptian doctors often used honey as medicine
Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing

FAQ

What do doctors do? They diagnose and treat illnesses
How long does it take to become a doctor? Typically 11+ years of education and training
What kind of doctors are there? Many, including pediatricians, surgeons, and family physicians

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

physician medical doctor

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

healthcare professional medical practitioner

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

surgeon pediatrician cardiologist

Meronyms — Parts or Components

stethoscope prescription pad

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

healthcare system

Indexes

occupation professional

Built by Tim Jones