Apothecary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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apothecary
apothe-cary
Definition
historical profession
An apothecary is a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs. Historically, apothecaries were similar to modern-day pharmacists, providing remedies to treat ailments and often offering a variety of other goods.
Synonyms
chemist, dispensary, druggist, pharmacist.
Examples of usage
- The apothecary supplied the town with herbal remedies.
- In Shakespeare’s time, the apothecary played a crucial role in healthcare.
- She visited the local apothecary for a cure for her cough.
Translations
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Quick facts about “apothecary”
Apothecary is a 2-syllable noun (apothe-cary). It is pronounced /əˈpɑθəˌkɛɹi/ in American English and /ɐpˈɒθɪkəɹi/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #20,020 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'apothecary'
The term 'apothecary' originates from the Greek word 'apothēkē', meaning a storehouse or a receptacle. In medieval Europe, apothecaries provided medical care by preparing and dispensing medicines to those in need. Over time, the role of the apothecary evolved, merging with that of the pharmacist as modern medicine advanced. By the 17th and 18th centuries, apothecaries were well-established in towns, often acting as the primary healthcare provider, especially in rural areas. The apothecary's practice included not just simple drug dispensing but also the practice of mixing and compounding medicines, often sourcing ingredients from local plants and herbs.