Definition of clinical

The word "clinical" has its roots in the 15th-century Latin term "clinica," which referred to a hospital or infirmary. This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "klinē," meaning "bed" or "couch." In ancient Greece, the kline was a bed or couch where patients would lie while being treated by doctors. In the 17th century, the term "clinical" emerged in English, initially referring to the beds or wards of a hospital where patients received treatment. Over time, the term came to describe the practical application of medical knowledge in a real-world setting, often referring to bedside manner, patient care, and hands-on diagnosis and treatment. Today, the term "clinical" is used in a variety of contexts, from medicine and healthcare to psychology and social work, to describe any activity that involves direct observation, assessment, and treatment of patients or clients.