1. Relating to the bedside of a patient or to the course of the disease. 2. Denoting the symptoms and course of a disease, as distinguished from the laboratory findings of anatomical changes. 3. Relating to a clinic. [G. kline, bed, + -al]
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clin·i·cal 'klin-i-kəl adj
1) of, relating to, or conducted in or as if in a clinic: as
a) involving or concerned with the direct observation and treatment of living patients <engaged in full-time \clinical practice> <\clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology>
b) of, relating to, based on, or characterized by observable and diagnosable symptoms of disease <the \clinical picture on admission was that of mild depression in an extremely rigid personality (Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation)> <three of these six foods were actually the cause of symptoms, and upon their elimination, \clinical cure was effected (Jour. of Pediatrics)>
c) applying objective or standardized methods (as interviews and personality or intelligence tests) to the description, evaluation, and modification of human behavior <\clinical psychology>
2) of a sacrament administered on a sickbed or deathbed <\clinical baptism>
clin·i·cal·ly -k(ə-)lē adv
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clin·i·cal (klinґĭ-kəl) 1. pertaining to a clinic or to the bedside. 2. pertaining to or founded on actual observation and treatment of patients, as distinguished from theoretical or basic sciences.Medical dictionary. 2011.