quirúrgico
“quirúrgico” means “surgical” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
surgical
Also: operating
📝 In Action
El médico usó un guante quirúrgico para la revisión.
A2The doctor used a surgical glove for the check-up.
La intervención quirúrgica duró más de cinco horas.
B1The surgical procedure lasted more than five hours.
Necesitamos comprar más material quirúrgico para el hospital.
B2We need to buy more surgical supplies for the hospital.
surgical
Also: pinpoint
📝 In Action
El delantero hizo un pase quirúrgico para el gol.
B2The forward made a surgical pass for the goal.
Analizaron el problema con una precisión quirúrgica.
C1They analyzed the problem with surgical precision.
Su crítica fue corta pero de una exactitud quirúrgica.
C2His criticism was short but of surgical exactness.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quirúrgico
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'surgical mask' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'chirurgicus', which comes from Ancient Greek roots meaning 'hand' (kheir) and 'work' (ergon). It literally means 'work done with the hands.'
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'quirúrgico' and 'cirujano'?
'Cirujano' is the noun for the person (the surgeon). 'Quirúrgico' is an adjective used to describe things related to surgery, like tools or masks.
Can I use 'quirúrgico' to describe a person?
Generally, no. You use it to describe actions (like a strike or a pass) or objects (like a knife). To describe a person's profession, use 'cirujano'.
Does 'quirúrgico' always have an accent mark?
Yes, it always has an accent on the second 'u' because it is an 'esdrújula' word (the stress is on the third-to-last syllable).

