locum tenens

[ loh-kuhm tee-nenz, ten-inz ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

, plural lo·cum te·nen·tes [loh, -k, uh, m t, uh, -, nen, -teez].

1. a temporary substitute, especially for a doctor or member of the clergy.

locum tenens

/ ˈləʊkəm ˈtiːnɛnz /

noun

1. a person who stands in temporarily for another member of the same profession, esp for a physician, chemist, or clergyman Often shortened tolocum

Other Words From

• lo·cum-te·nen·cy [loh-k, uh, m-, tee, -n, uh, n-see, -, ten, -, uh, n-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of locum tenens¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Medieval Latin locum tenēns “holding the place”

Word History and Origins

Origin of locum tenens¹

C17: Medieval Latin: (someone) holding the place (of another)

Example Sentences

Nearly nonverbal, Scrat wouldn’t even require a locum tenens; of all the movie’s sins, his omission is unforgivable.

From New York Times

Kory said he now works as a “locum tenens” physician — a doctor who works in temporary jobs — and as president and chief medical officer of the Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance.

From Washington Post

Some hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, have established so-called “locum tenens” services, essentially medical temp agencies that provide doctors who can fill in when physicians in rural areas need a break.

From Seattle Times

I might have to engage a locum tenens.

From Project Gutenberg

I could not spare more than a fortnight from work, leaving Lennard as my locum tenens.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backup
• replacement
• stand-in
• surrogate