pharmacy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A place where prescription drugs are sold or dispensed.
  2. The science of medicinal substances, inclusive of pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and forensics.
  3. The role or occupation of a pharmacist.

Pronunciation

/ˈfɑːməsi/ En-uk-pharmacy.ogg fär'məsē /ˈfɑɹməsi/ En-us-pharmacy.ogg

Word forms

pharmacy pharmacies

Etymology

From Middle English pharmacy, borrowed from Middle French pharmacie (“the art of creating drugs; a drug, especially a laxative”), from Old French farmacie, from Medieval Latin pharmacia, from Ancient Greek φαρμακεία (pharmakeía, “the use of drugs”), from φάρμακον (phármakon, “a drug, charm, enchantment”), of uncertain but likely Pre-Greek origin. Attested since late 14th century.

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