medical examiner

noun

: a usually appointed public officer whose duties are similar to those of a coroner but who is typically required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies

Examples of medical examiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Results of an autopsy will be posted to the medical examiner’s office website when the report is completed. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025 Michelle Trachtenberg died naturally of complications caused by diabetes mellitus, according to the New York City medical examiner's office. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 The medical examiner’s office told ABC News no autopsy was performed, but toxicology test results provided additional information surrounding her cause of death. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025 The medical examiner’s office would automatically do an autopsy if foul play or criminality was suspected, but there was none, so the office did not overrule the family’s decision. Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for medical examiner

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical examiner was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Medical examiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical%20examiner. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

medical examiner

noun
1
: a usually appointed public officer with duties similar to those of a coroner but who is required to have specific medical training (as in pathology) and is qualified to conduct medical examinations and autopsies
2
: a physician employed to make medical examinations (as of applicants for military service or of claimants of workers' compensation)
3
: a physician appointed to examine and license candidates for the practice of medicine in a political jurisdiction (as a state)

Legal Definition

medical examiner

noun
med·​i·​cal examiner
: a public officer who determines the necessity of and conducts autopsies

More from Merriam-Webster on medical examiner

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