Medicines: meaning, definitions and examples

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medicines

 

[หˆmษ›dษชsษชnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

healthcare

Substances or compounds used for the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases.

Synonyms

drugs, medication, remedies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
medicines

Similar to the first entry, but sometimes used to refer to specific treatments within a certain field or for certain conditions.

  • Traditional Chinese medicines have been used for thousands of years
  • She stores all her medicines in the bathroom cabinet
drugs

Common term for substances used for medical treatment, but can also imply illegal or recreational use; context often determines meaning.

  • The doctor prescribed some drugs to help with the pain
  • He was arrested for possessing illegal drugs
medication

Refers specifically to medicine that is prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken by a patient in a controlled manner.

  • He forgot to take his medication this morning
  • The new medication helped improve her symptoms significantly
remedies

Typically used to describe treatments for minor ailments, often natural or home remedies, rather than prescribed pharmaceuticals.

  • Ginger tea is a great remedy for an upset stomach
  • They discussed various home remedies for a sore throat

Examples of usage

  • Many people rely on medicines to manage their health conditions.
  • The doctor prescribed some medicines to help with the infection.
Context #2 | Noun

pharmacy

Products sold in pharmacies for medicinal purposes.

Synonyms

drugs, medications, pharmaceuticals.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
medicines

General term for substances used to treat diseases or medical conditions. Suitable for both professional and casual conversations.

  • I need to take my medicines every morning
  • The doctor prescribed several medicines for the infection
drugs

Commonly used in medical contexts, but has a secondary meaning that refers to illegal substances, thus having a potential negative connotation. Often used in context of prescriptions or over-the-counter products.

  • The new drug helped reduce her symptoms significantly
  • Unfortunately, some people misuse prescription drugs
pharmaceuticals

Refers to medicinal drugs manufactured, sold, or distributed by pharmaceutical companies. Often used in industry-specific or technical conversations.

  • Pharmaceuticals are heavily regulated to ensure safety
  • The event was attended by leading experts in pharmaceuticals
medications

Professional or formal term often used in healthcare settings. It refers specifically to substances used to treat or manage medical conditions.

  • The patient needs to take their medications twice a day
  • Proper use of medications can improve quality of life

Examples of usage

  • The pharmacist recommended some over-the-counter medicines for the cold.
  • I need to pick up my prescription medicines from the pharmacy.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The use of plant-based medicines dates back thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians using over 300 medicinal plants as recorded in hieroglyphs.
  • The 'Hippocratic Corpus,' written by Hippocrates in ancient Greece, is one of the oldest medical texts, emphasizing the importance of medicine in health.
  • In the Middle Ages, apothecaries began to prepare and sell medicines, which eventually evolved into modern pharmacies.

Science

  • Medicines work using different mechanisms, such as blocking pain signals or altering the way our body functions, which helps relieve symptoms.
  • Pharmaceutical research often includes the study of interactions between drugs and the human body to ensure safety and efficacy before they reach consumers.
  • Vaccines, a special type of medicine, train our immune system to recognize and fight diseases without causing sickness.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, traditional medicines, like Ayurveda in India and Traditional Chinese Medicine, employ natural remedies alongside modern treatments.
  • Rituals and prayers often accompany the use of medicines in various cultural practices to enhance healing and provide emotional support.
  • Different cultures might have unique views on when and how to use medicines, affecting perceptions of health and wellness.

Pop Culture

  • The 'pharmacy' in many films often serves as a backdrop for character interactions and dramatic revelations about health.
  • Popular songs and media sometimes highlight the emotional impact of taking medicines, portraying the struggle of coping with illnesses.
  • In TV series, characters' relationships with their prescribed medicines can signify broader themes of vulnerability and resilience.

Psychology

  • Placebo effects demonstrate how a personโ€™s belief in a treatment can lead to real physiological changes, suggesting the power of the mind in healing.
  • Mental health medicines, such as antidepressants, play a crucial role in helping individuals manage conditions like depression and anxiety.
  • Therapeutic practices often complement medicine, focusing on mental wellness through counseling and lifestyle changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "medicines" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น medicamentos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเคตเคพเคเค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Medikamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ obat-obatan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ leki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่–ฌ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉdicaments

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ medicamentos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ilaรงlar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุฏูˆูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lรฉky

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ lieky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏ็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zdravila

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lyf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดำ™ั€ั–ะปะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒ“แƒ˜แƒ™แƒแƒ›แƒ”แƒœแƒขแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™rmanlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ medicamentos

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,659 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.