clinic

UK: ˈklɪnɪk | US: ˈklɪnɪk

Definition
  1. n. a facility or department where outpatients receive medical care or treatment.

  2. n. a teaching session for medical students involving patient examination.

  3. n. a place or group offering specialized advice or services (e.g., "a legal clinic").

Structure
clin <bed (from Greek *kline*) + ic<adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "clinic" traces back to the Greek klinē (κλίνη), meaning "bed" or "couch," reflecting its early association with bedside medical care. The suffix -ic (from Greek -ikos) denotes "pertaining to." Originally used in Late Latin (clinicus) to describe physicians who treated bedridden patients, the term evolved into "clinic" in 17th-century English, shifting from a focus on beds to medical practice spaces. The modern sense of outpatient care emerged in the 19th century.

Examples
  1. She visited the dental clinic for a routine checkup.

  2. The medical school held a clinic to demonstrate diagnostic techniques.

  3. They opened a free veterinary clinic in the rural community.

  4. The law school runs a clinic to provide pro bono legal advice.

  5. His research was conducted at a sleep disorder clinic.