C1adjectiveformal3K

Surgical

UK /["/ˈsɜːdʒɪkl/"]/US /["/ˈsɜːrdʒɪkl/"]/

Definition

used in or connected with surgery

In simple words: Related to surgery or operations on the body.

Examples

  • surgical procedures
  • a surgical ward *(= for patients having operations)*
  • They launched **surgical strikes** against enemy targets.
  • **surgical bombing**
  • The quarterback found the wide receiver with a pass of almost surgical precision.

Usage notes

Used in medical contexts or discussions about operations. Not appropriate in casual conversations. Can describe precision in other fields, like 'surgical precision'.

Grammar pattern

surgical + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'surgery' and how it requires careful, surgical tools.

Collocations

  • surgical procedure
  • surgical instruments
  • surgical team

Synonyms

  • medical
  • operative
  • procedural
  • interventional

Antonyms

  • non-surgical

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'surgically' when describing actions.
  • Omitting 'surgical' when referring to techniques.
  • Mixing up with 'surgeon', which is a person.