French word

médecine

Pronunciation

IPA/mɛdsin/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmedicine

Example

Elle étudie la médecine à l'université.

She studies medicine at university.

Illustration for médecine (medicine)

More examples

La médecine permet de soulager la douleur.

Medicine can relieve pain.

Core concept

An organized field that explains human illness and guides its prevention, detection, and treatment.

Common phrases

  • la médecine générale

    general medicine

  • formation en médecine

    training in medicine

Similar words

santé: The state of physical and mental well-being in individuals or communities.
traitement: A course of care intended to cure a disease.
médicament: A drug used to ease symptoms or treat a disease.
hôpital: A major healthcare facility offering inpatient care and surgery.

Definition in French

Domaine médical regroupant savoirs et méthodes pour prévenir, détecter et traiter les maladies chez l'être humain.

Word origin

The French noun médecine descends from Old French medecine and Latin medicina, a term for healing or medical practice.

Usage tips

  • With this field of study, French uses the definite article in étudier la médecine, unlike English's usual bare form 'study medicine'.

Other meanings

  • medical carenoun
  • medical practicenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word