Cool MatePhysician
UK /["/fɪˈzɪʃn/"]/US /["/fɪˈzɪʃn/"]/
Definition
a doctor, especially one who is a specialist in general medicine and not surgery
In simple words: A doctor who helps sick people.
Examples
- Dr Dennett is a practicing family physician in Atlanta.
- Please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.
- He became the President's personal physician.
- He was physician to George Washington.
- physician to the Duke of Albemarle
Usage notes
Use 'physician' in formal contexts such as medical discussions, not in casual conversation. 'Doctor' is more common in everyday speech.
Grammar pattern
physician + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'fish see an' – imagine a fish watching a doctor treat a patient.
Collocations
- family
- general
- hospital
- physician to
Synonyms
- doctor
- medical practitioner
- clinician
- healthcare provider
- specialist
Antonyms
- patient
- layperson
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'physic' referring to medicine, but not a doctor.
- Overusing 'physician' in casual conversation.
- Using 'physician' to refer to other healthcare workers like nurses.