Definition

Referring to medical treatments that do not require surgical procedures, often involving methods like medication or physical therapy.

Example

The doctor recommended a nonsurgical approach to treat the injury.

Conversation

I heard you've been looking for nonsurgical options for your back pain.

Yeah, I want to avoid surgery if possible.

That makes sense; I've heard physical therapy can be really effective as a nonsurgical treatment.

Absolutely, I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonsurgical → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "surgical" (from Latin "chirurgicus", meaning relating to surgery). The word "nonsurgical" means not relating to or involving surgery.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'surgical' relating to surgery — so nonsurgical refers to methods that do not involve surgery.

Visually Confused Words