Whether you work in healthcare or simply need to talk to a doctor, medical English vocabulary helps you understand and be understood clearly. The right words make sure information is conveyed accurately, from a first appointment to a hospital stay.
This guide groups 28 essential medical English words and expressions by theme, with a short meaning and a natural example for each. The terms and examples are kept in English so you can use them straight away.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom | A sign of a medical condition. | Researchers tested people with mild symptoms of the virus. |
| Diagnosis | The process of identifying a medical condition. | The doctor’s diagnosis reassured the patient. |
| Treatment | The management or care given for a medical condition. | She went into hospital for treatment. |
| Prescription | A written order for medication. | The doctor gave him a prescription for antibiotics. |
| Hospitalization | Being admitted to a hospital for care. | Hospitalization is often required for this illness. |
| Prognosis | The likely outcome of a medical condition. | Since the operation, his prognosis has improved greatly. |
| Remission | A period when a condition improves or disappears. | Her cancer has been in remission for two years. |
| Acute | Sudden in onset and often severe. | He was admitted with acute chest pain. |
| Chronic | Long-term and persistent. | She manages her chronic back pain with physiotherapy. |
| Prevalence | How common a condition is within a population. | The prevalence of diabetes is rising worldwide. |
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | The study of the structure of the body. | The anatomy of the human heart is complex. |
| Physiology | The study of how the body and its parts function. | The physiology of digestion is essential for good health. |
| Pathology | The study of disease and its effects on the body. | The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis. |
| Microbiology | The study of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. | The microbiology lab identified the bacteria. |
| Immunology | The study of the immune system and its disorders. | Immunology research improves our defences against infection. |
| Neurology | The study of the nervous system, including the brain. | The neurology clinic treats conditions affecting the nerves. |
| Cardiologist | A doctor who specialises in the heart and blood vessels. | The cardiologist ran tests on the patient’s heart. |
| Oncology | The study and treatment of cancer. | The oncology team discussed the treatment plan. |
| Emergency medicine | The care of acute illnesses and injuries, including critical care. | Emergency medicine doctors treat patients whatever their condition. |
| Occupational medicine | A branch of medicine focused on health and safety at work. | The company hired an occupational medicine specialist. |
Practise medical English with a real teacher. The fastest way to make these words automatic is to use them in conversation. Book a free trial lesson and speak with an experienced native teacher, no credit card required.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Immune system | The network that protects the body from infection. | A healthy lifestyle supports your immune system. |
| Metabolic syndrome | A cluster of conditions that together raise disease risk. | He was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome after a check-up. |
| Blood pressure | The force of blood pushing against the artery walls. | High blood pressure is often found during a routine check-up. |
| Cesarean section | Delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen. | The doctor recommended a cesarean section for a safe delivery. |
| Palliative care | Care that relieves symptoms and improves quality of life in serious illness. | The team provided palliative care and pain management. |
| MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) | A scan using magnetic fields and radio waves to image the body. | The doctor ordered an MRI to assess the knee injury. |
| Failure to thrive | When a child is not growing or gaining weight as expected. | The pediatrician ordered tests for the baby’s failure to thrive. |
| ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) | A disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. | The child was assessed for ADHD after struggling to focus. |
Learning tip: medical vocabulary sticks best in context. Read the example aloud, then say a sentence about your own experience using the same word. Grouping words by theme (diagnosis, specialties, care) also makes them easier to remember.
Practise medical English with a real teacher. The fastest way to make these words automatic is to use them in conversation. Book a free trial lesson and speak with an experienced native teacher, no credit card required.
Written and reviewed by the experienced native teachers at Live English, online since 2007.
