Meds Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meds

[mɛdz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical treatment

Meds is a colloquial term for medication, which refers to any substance used to treat or cure a disease or medical condition. Medications can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. They come in various forms such as pills, liquids, creams, or injections.

Synonyms

drugs, medications, prescriptions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meds

Informal term commonly used in casual conversations, referring to medications or drugs prescribed for health conditions.

  • I need to take my meds at noon
  • Did you bring your meds for the trip?
medications

Formal and clinical term used to describe substances that are used to treat or prevent diseases. Often used in medical settings or formal discussions.

  • The doctor prescribed new medications for his condition
  • Always read the side effects of your medications
drugs

General term that can refer to both legal medications and illegal substances. Due to this, it can sometimes have a negative connotation depending on the context.

  • She's on some new drugs for her migraines
  • The police found illegal drugs in his car
prescriptions

Specifically refers to the written authorization by a healthcare professional for obtaining specific medications. Often used in the context of obtaining or discussing authorized medications.

  • I need to get my prescription filled at the pharmacy
  • The pharmacist asked if I had any questions about my prescription

Examples of usage

  • I need to take my meds every morning to control my blood pressure.
  • She forgot to pick up her meds from the pharmacy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The oldest known medicines date back to ancient Egypt, where herbs were used for healing as far back as 1500 BCE.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine, with roots over 2,500 years old, utilizes herbs, acupuncture, and other methods as forms of medication.

Developments in Science

  • The discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionized medicine, leading to the development of antibiotics that treat bacterial infections.
  • Vaccines, developed in the late 18th century, are considered one of the greatest achievements in medicine, preventing diseases like polio and measles.

Psychology

  • Many people use 'meds' for mental health, like antidepressants, highlighting the intersection of psychology and physical health.
  • Research shows that medication, combined with therapy, can be highly effective for treating mood disorders and anxiety.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows and movies often depict characters taking 'meds' for various health issues, sparking discussions about mental health in society.
  • Songs and literature sometimes reference medications, demonstrating their impact on culture and common experiences.

Origin of 'meds'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'medication' comes from the Latin 'medicare,' which means 'to heal' or 'to cure.'
  • The term 'meds' is a popular informal shorthand for medications, often used in everyday language.

The term 'meds' originated as a shortened form of the word 'medications'. It is commonly used in informal settings and among healthcare professionals to refer to various types of drugs or treatments. The use of 'meds' has become widespread in modern English, particularly in casual conversations and online communication.