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Agency Dictionary

hippocratic

adjectivePronunciation: /ˌhɪp.əˈkræt.ɪk/

In Portuguese: hipocrático

What does “hippocratic” mean?

Relating to Hippocrates or the ethical medical code that prioritizes patient care and moral duty.

Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin Hippocraticus, an adjective formed from Hippocrates, the Latin form of the Greek name Hippokrates, with the suffix that gives English -ic. Hippocrates of Cos was the Greek physician under whose name a large body of ancient medical writings was handed down. The best known use is in Hippocratic oath, the pledge of ethical conduct associated with him and still taken, in modern versions, by new doctors.

Usage note

Normally written with a capital H, since it comes from a proper name: the Hippocratic oath. It is spelled with i after the h, then double p.

Often confused with

hypocritical
Hypocritical, from hypocrite, means pretending to virtues one does not have; the misspelling "hypocratic oath" mixes the two words.

Word family

  • Hippocrates
  • Hippocratism

Rhymes with

  • dramatic
  • static
  • erratic
  • emphatic
  • automatic
  • fanatic
  • acrobatic
  • democratic

Usage examples

  • That’s why doctors do the Hippocratic oath once we get our medical licenses.

Concept

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

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A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
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A complex statement or problem involving balancing multiple interdependent factors, variables, or meanings.
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Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
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A person trained and equipped to travel and operate beyond the atmosphere of the Earth. In space exploration, astronauts perform scientific experiments and navigate spacecraft under extreme conditions.
Decompositionnoun
The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
eppur si muoveother
An Italian phrase meaning and yet it moves. It is used to affirm that a fact remains true no matter who denies it.
Treatisenoun
A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
Maximnoun
A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
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The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
Regenerativeadjective
Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.
rhetoricnoun
The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
Tangibleadjective
Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.

Also from these editions: terms

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A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
wireframenoun
A skeletal visual guide that outlines the basic structure, hierarchy, and functionality of a user interface.
briefingnoun
A concise set of instructions or background information provided to guide a project or creative assignment.
autonomynoun
The condition or power of self-governance, independent decision-making, and freedom from external control.
concoctverb
To invent, devise, or fabricate something novel by combining various elements or ideas.
densitynoun
The quantity of mass, pixels, or information concentrated within a given unit of area or space.
diagnosticnoun
An analytical determination or judgment identifying the underlying nature, cause, or source of a problem.
imposternoun
A person who practices deception under an assumed character, identity, or false professional claim.
metamodernadjective
Relating to a cultural paradigm that oscillates between modern sincerity and postmodern irony.
sedentaryadjective
Characterized by or requiring much sitting, little physical movement, or low levels of daily activity.
sketchnoun
A rapid, informal drawing or preliminary outline capturing the essential features of an idea.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“hippocratic”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/hippocratic