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Pharmaceuticals: meaning, definitions and examples

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pharmaceuticals

 

[ˌfɑːrməˈsuːtɪkəls ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medicines production

Pharmaceuticals are drugs or medications that are produced for medical use. They can be prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs.

Synonyms

drugs, medications, medicines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pharmaceuticals

Used mainly in formal or professional settings, such as the healthcare or scientific industry, to refer to all kinds of drugs and medications.

  • Pharmaceuticals are carefully regulated to ensure safety and efficacy
  • The pharmaceutical industry invests heavily in research and development
medications

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to medicine prescribed or taken to treat illness or health conditions. It is neutral and widely acceptable.

  • I have to take my medications every morning
  • The pharmacy delivered my grandmother's medications to her house
drugs

A general term that can refer to both legal medications and illegal substances. Often used in a healthcare setting but can have negative connotations when referring to illegal substances.

  • The doctor prescribed some drugs to help with the pain
  • The police arrested him for possession of illegal drugs
medicines

A more general term that can refer to any substance used to treat illness or promote health, often used in everyday or informal language.

  • Natural medicines have been used for centuries
  • She keeps her medicines in a cabinet above the sink

Examples of usage

  • The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in providing essential medicines to the population.
  • She works in the research and development department of a pharmaceutical company.
Context #2 | Noun

pharmacy sector

Pharmaceuticals also refer to the sector of the economy that deals with the production and sale of drugs.

Synonyms

drug sector, pharmacy industry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pharmaceuticals

Used most commonly in discussing medicines and medical substances, either in general or specific types.

  • The research in pharmaceuticals opened new doors for cancer treatment.
  • He is studying the effects of various pharmaceuticals on mental health.
drug sector

Often used in discussions about the overall industry that produces and sells drugs, typically in economic or business contexts.

  • Investment in the drug sector has increased significantly over the past decade.
  • The drug sector is expected to see substantial growth with the introduction of new vaccines.

Examples of usage

  • He has a successful career in the pharmaceuticals sector.
  • The pharmaceuticals industry is highly regulated to ensure safety and efficacy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'pharmakon', which means 'drug' or 'medicine'.
  • In ancient Greece, the term included both healing substances and poisons, showing the dual nature of many substances.

History

  • Pharmaceutical practices date back to ancient civilizations, with some of the earliest records found in Egyptian papyrus scrolls.
  • The first true pharmaceutical company was established in the late 1800s, marking the beginning of modern drug manufacturing.

Science

  • Pharmaceuticals are meticulously developed through a process that includes discovery, testing, and regulatory approval to ensure they are safe and effective.
  • They often target specific processes in the body, such as blocking or enhancing functions of certain molecules or pathways.

Pop Culture

  • The portrayal of pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies in movies often highlights ethical dilemmas, such as access to medicine versus profit.
  • Pharmaceutical products have inspired various songs and art, often discussing themes of health, society, and wellness.

Global Impact

  • Access to life-saving pharmaceuticals varies widely around the world, affecting health outcomes in poorer countries.
  • The opioid crisis in many regions has raised concerns about the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies in prescribing practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "pharmaceuticals" in other languages:

🇵🇹 produtos farmacêuticos

🇮🇳 फार्मास्युटिकल्स

🇩🇪 pharmazeutische Produkte

🇮🇩 farmasi

🇺🇦 фармацевтичні препарати

🇵🇱 produkty farmaceutyczne

🇯🇵 医薬品

🇫🇷 produits pharmaceutiques

🇪🇸 productos farmacéuticos

🇹🇷 farmasötik ürünler

🇰🇷 제약 제품

🇸🇦 المستحضرات الصيدلانية

🇨🇿 farmaceutické výrobky

🇸🇰 farmaceutické výrobky

🇨🇳 药品

🇸🇮 farmacevtski izdelki

🇮🇸 lyfjaframleiðsla

🇰🇿 фармацевтикалық өнімдер

🇬🇪 ფარმაცევტული პროდუქტები

🇦🇿 farmasevtik məhsullar

🇲🇽 productos farmacéuticos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,118, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.