Medicine: meaning, definitions and examples

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medicine

[ˈmɛdɪsən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

healthcare

Medicine is the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Synonyms

medication, remedy, treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
medicine	Can refer to the practice and science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses, not just the substances themselves. This interpretation is frequently seen in academic or professional settings. She has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. Advances in medicine have greatly increased our life expectancy.
medication	Refers to prescribed or over-the-counter drugs used to treat a medical condition. Typically used in more formal or clinical settings, indicating a structured treatment regimen. The doctor prescribed a strong medication for her anxiety. He needs to be on medication for his blood pressure.
remedy	Often used to describe a treatment for minor ailments or a natural solution, such as herbal remedies. It may also imply a solution to a problem more generally. Ginger tea is a common remedy for sore throats. They are looking for a remedy to fix the company's financial problems.
treatment	This term is used for a broad range of actions or processes aimed at managing or curing diseases or medical conditions. It can include therapy, surgery, or other medical interventions and is often used in professional discussions. She is undergoing treatment for cancer. The treatment plan includes both medication and physical therapy.

Examples of usage

Modern medicine has made great advancements in the treatment of various illnesses.
Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat common ailments.
Taking too much medicine can have negative side effects on the body.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

substance

A substance used for treating illness or improving health.

Synonyms

drug, medication, remedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
medicine	General term for substances used to treat illness. It encompasses both prescription and over-the-counter products. Take your medicine with food The doctor prescribed some medicine for my cough
medication	Formal term often used in healthcare settings. Refers specifically to prescription drugs. She is on several medications for her condition Please list any medications you are currently taking
drug	Often used in a more clinical or technical context, can also refer to illegal substances, hence sometimes has a negative connotation. The new drug has shown great promise in early trials He was caught with illegal drugs
remedy	Refers to treatments or cures, often natural or homeopathic. Used in both medical and informal settings. Ginger tea is a common remedy for nausea He searched for a remedy to heal his back pain

Examples of usage

She takes her medicine every morning to control her blood pressure.
The doctor prescribed a new medicine for his infection.
Natural medicines like vitamins and herbs can also have health benefits.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word derives from the Latin 'medicina', meaning the art of healing.
In Middle English, it was referred to as 'medycyne', showing its connection to practices of health.
Greek roots can be found in 'iatros', meaning healer, which is still seen in terms like 'psychiatry'.

Historical Origins

Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece made significant contributions to early medical practices. For example, the Egyptians used herbs and oils for treatment.
Hippocrates, often called the Father of Medicine, created a code of ethics, still relevant in medical practice today.
The Middle Ages saw the establishment of universities in Europe that focused on medical studies, leading to more structured education in the field.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, traditional medicine plays a vital role. For instance, Ayurvedic practices in India focus on balancing the body and spirit.
Indigenous healing practices often incorporate rituals along with herbal remedies, reflecting deep cultural ties to nature.
In modern times, the combination of Western medicine with alternative practices, like acupuncture, is increasingly popular.

Science

Vaccination is one of the most effective medical advancements, significantly reducing the incidence of infectious diseases.
Pharmaceutical research involves extensive testing of drugs to ensure they are safe and effective before being approved for public use.
In recent years, precision medicine has emerged, focusing on tailored treatments based on individual genetics and lifestyle.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often portray doctors heroically, highlighting the intense pressure and emotional challenges of the profession.
The popularity of medical dramas like 'Grey's Anatomy' has influenced public interest in healthcare careers.
Popular songs have also referenced medicine, sometimes using it as a metaphor for love and healing.

Translations

Translations of the word "medicine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 medicina

🇮🇳 चिकित्सा

🇩🇪 Medizin

🇮🇩 obat

🇺🇦 медицина

🇵🇱 medycyna

🇯🇵 医学

🇫🇷 médecine

🇪🇸 medicina

🇹🇷 tıp

🇰🇷 의학

🇸🇦 الطب

🇨🇿 medicína

🇸🇰 medicína

🇨🇳 医学

🇸🇮 medicina

🇮🇸 læknisfræði

🇰🇿 медицина

🇬🇪 მედიცინა

🇦🇿 tibb

🇲🇽 medicina

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,340, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2337 residence
2338 promote
2339 begun
2340 medicine
2341 chamber
2342 pictures
2343 gift
...