locum
noun C2
Plain meaning
a doctor or professional who temporarily does another person’s job
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe a doctor or professional who temporarily does another person’s job, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe article mentioned locum as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines locum in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear locumevidence of locumwidespread locum
Watch out
Do not use “locum” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.