medicus
[ˈmɛ.dɪ.kʊs]
The English phrase "doctor" is translated into Latin as medicus.
In Latin, medicus refers specifically to a person qualified to treat those who are ill. This is a distinct concept from the Latin word doctor, which refers to a teacher or instructor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on its role in a sentence. The plural form for "doctors" is medici. If the doctor is the direct object of a sentence, use the form medicum. If you are giving something to the doctor or speaking about the doctor in the dative case, use the form medico.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Rome, the role of a medicus was not always respected, as many early practitioners were Greek foreigners rather than Roman citizens.
- The English words 'medical' and 'medicine' come from medicus and its relative medicīna.
- A specialized military doctor in the Roman army was known as a medicus castrensis.
Examples in context
- Is medicus non est.He is not a doctor.This sentence shows how to use medicus in a negative statement.Tatoeba #1517120 by alexmarcelo, translation #293617 by CH
- Quis est medicus tuus?Who's your doctor?This sentence shows how to use medicus to ask about someone's physician.Tatoeba #4815474 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #4815463 by felvideki
- Pater meus medicus est.My father is a doctor.This sentence shows how to use medicus to describe a person's profession.Tatoeba #1070403 by alexmarcelo, translation #251657 by CK
- Marcus est medicus peritus.Marcus is a skilled doctor.
- Salve, medice!Hello, doctor!
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius are talking about an appointment in a street.
- LuciaUbi est medicus?Where is the doctor?
- GaiusMedicus in domo est.The doctor is at home.
- LuciaEstne medicus bonus?Is the doctor good?
- GaiusIta, medicus optimus est.Yes, the doctor is excellent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry medicus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries medicus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
