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Druggist: meaning, definitions and examples

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druggist

 

[ ˈdrʌɡɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

pharmacy profession

A druggist is a person who is trained and licensed to prepare and dispense medications. They often work in pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics, providing essential health services to patients. In addition to filling prescriptions, druggists may advise patients on medication use, potential drug interactions, and general health advice. The term is somewhat archaic and is less commonly used today, replaced by the title 'pharmacist'.

Synonyms

apothecary, chemist, pharmacist

Examples of usage

  • The druggist explained the side effects of the medication.
  • She visited the local druggist to get her prescription filled.
  • The druggist provided valuable information about over-the-counter options.
  • He became a druggist after graduating from pharmacy school.

Translations

Translations of the word "druggist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 farmacêutico

🇮🇳 दवा विक्रेता

🇩🇪 Apotheker

🇮🇩 apoteker

🇺🇦 аптекар

🇵🇱 aptekarz

🇯🇵 薬剤師

🇫🇷 pharmacien

🇪🇸 farmacéutico

🇹🇷 eczacı

🇰🇷 약사

🇸🇦 صيدلي

🇨🇿 lékárník

🇸🇰 lekárnik

🇨🇳 药剂师

🇸🇮 farmacevt

🇮🇸 lyfjafræðingur

🇰🇿 дәрігер

🇬🇪 აფთიაქარი

🇦🇿 apteka

🇲🇽 farmacéutico

Etymology

The word 'druggist' is derived from the Middle Dutch 'drooghe', which means 'dry', referring to dry medicines and herbs. It has its roots in the term 'drug', which originates from the Old French 'drogue', meaning 'a dry substance'. This term has evolved over centuries alongside the development of the pharmaceutical profession. In early modern Europe, druggists were often the same as apothecaries—individuals who not only dispensed medicines but also engaged in various aspects of the practice of medicine. By the 19th century, the distinction between druggists and pharmacists became more pronounced, as formal education and training in medicines expanded. Despite its reduction in usage in favor of 'pharmacist', 'druggist' still holds historical significance in understanding the evolution of pharmaceutical practices.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,629, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.