HealthAugust 17, 2026
locum
LO-kuhm
Definition
A person, especially a doctor or member of the clergy, who temporarily fulfills the duties of another person in their absence.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin phrase 'locum tenens,' meaning 'holding a place.' It entered English as a shortened form in the 19th century to describe someone serving as a temporary substitute.
In the news
Dr. Mardel transitioned from a full-time NHS position to working as a locum consultant, allowing him to maintain his medical practice while no longer being tied to a permanent, stationary role.
The Ebola crisis is the deadliest in Congo’s history – this expert knows what’s next
Read the full article ↗The Independent