physician
Definitions
A licensed medical doctor, especially one who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery
医师；（尤指）内科医生，以药物和诊断治病而非动手术
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedphysic (here meaning the old art of healing / medicine) + -ian (one who) = 'one skilled in physic.' In older English 'physic' itself meant the practice of medicine, so a physician was literally a master of healing. The word kept the internal, medicine-based sense of treatment, which is why it contrasts with surgeon — the one who heals by operating with the hands.
Root physic still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
- Physician vs. surgeon: a physician treats with medicine and diagnosis; a surgeon operates. In the US, both are 'doctors,' but 'physician' specifically points to non-surgical / internal care.
- Register: 'physician' is formal; in everyday speech people say 'doctor' or 'GP.' Use 'physician' in medical, legal, or official writing.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Always consult a physician before starting a new medication.
- 2.
Her family physician has known her since childhood.
- 3.
The hospital is hiring several attending physicians this year.
Easily Confused
physician vs. physicist — One letter, totally different jobs. A physician (-ian) heals people; a physicist (-ist) studies physics. Mnemonic: physician is in the clinic; physicist does science.