What does the term "grossly" imply in a medical context?

In a medical context, the term "grossly" implies something that is obvious or apparent, often referring to assessments or observations that are immediately noticeable without the need for further examination or detailed analysis. It suggests a judgement or finding that is substantial and can be easily recognized. For instance, if a physician notes that a patient is "grossly overweight," they are indicating that the patient's weight status is glaringly apparent at first glance.

The use of "grossly" conveys a strong sense of severity or substantiality, which encapsulates the notion of something being "a lot" or "wholly" evident to the observer. This term often appears in clinical descriptions, suggesting a straightforward observation regarding the physical examination or in the interpretation of diagnostic results.