online medical dictionary | definition of eclectic

1. Selecting; choosing (what is true or excellent in doctrines, opinions, etc) from various sources or systems; as, an eclectic philosopher.

2. Consisting, or made up, of what is chosen or selected; as, an eclectic method; an eclectic magazine. Eclectic physician, one of a class of practitioners of medicine, who select their modes of practice and medicines from all schools; formerly, sometimes the same as botanic physician. Eclectic school.

See Bolognese school, under Bolognese.

Origin: Gr, fr. To pick out, choose out: cf. F. Eclectique. See Eclogue, and cf. Elect.

(01 Mar 1998)