Pills Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pills
[pษชlz ]
Definitions
medication
Small solid dosage form of medicine intended for oral use. Pills are often used to treat various medical conditions.
Synonyms
capsules, medication, tablets.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pills |
General term for small, solid medicine that you swallow. Most common and general term in everyday language.
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| medication |
Broader term that includes all types of medicine or drugs, in various forms, including pills, liquids, injections, etc. Used in more formal or medical contexts.
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| tablets |
Solid medicine that is usually flat and round, often with a score line to split them. More specific than pills but commonly used in similar contexts.
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| capsules |
Special kind of pill that has medicine inside a small, usually gelatin container. Often used to make swallowing easier or to control release speed.
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Examples of usage
- Be sure to take your pills with food.
- She takes two pills every morning for her allergies.
- The doctor prescribed some pills for his headache.
- The pills are supposed to be taken three times a day.
- I need to refill my prescription for my pills.
illegal drugs
Small tablets containing illegal substances, often used recreationally. Pills can have harmful or addictive effects on the user.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pills |
As above, used to refer to small, solid medicinal doses taken orally. Context remains the same as previously described.
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| drugs |
Can refer to both medicinal and illegal or recreational substances. Context is important to distinguish the meaning. Often used in both medical and legal discussions.
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| narcotics |
Refers specifically to drugs that dull the senses and are often associated with pain relief and illegal use. Has a negative connotation when referring to illegal drug use.
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| substances |
A broad term that can refer to any kind of material, often used in scientific, legal, or regulatory contexts. In the context of drugs, it can apply to both legal medications and illegal drugs.
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Examples of usage
- He got caught with a bag of pills at the concert.
- She's addicted to taking pills to cope with stress.
- Pills are a common form of drug abuse among teenagers.
- The pills he took at the party made him sick.
- Police seized a large quantity of pills in the drug bust.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The use of pills dates back to ancient Egypt, where crushed herbs were formed into small shapes to help treat ailments.
- In the 19th century, pill-making machinery advanced, leading to the mass production of pills and making medicine more accessible.
- The term 'pill' comes from the Latin word 'pila,' meaning 'ball,' which reflects the typical shape of many pills.
Science
- Pills can come in various forms, including immediate-release, slow-release, and liquid-filled capsules, depending on how quickly they need to work.
- Many pills are coated to make them easier to swallow and to protect the stomach from harsh ingredients.
- Pharmacology, the study of how drugs affect the body, often focuses on how pill formulations influence absorption and effectiveness.
Pop Culture
- Pills have been featured in numerous films and songs, often symbolizing broader themes like escapism or healing.
- The term 'happy pills' is colloquially used to refer to antidepressants, reflecting society's views on mental health and treatment.
- Television shows often depict characters taking pills to manage stress, showcasing the connection between lifestyle and health.
Psychology
- Taking pills can be linked to the placebo effect, where a person feels better after taking a harmless substance itโs all in their mind.
- Patients' beliefs about the effectiveness of their medication can significantly impact their actual health outcomes.
- The convenience of pills can also influence medication adherence, as people may be more likely to take something easy to swallow.
Literature
- In famous novels, characters often confront their dilemmas through pills, symbolizing choices between reality and escape.
- Pills are used as a narrative device in literature to explore themes of dependency and the pursuit of wellbeing.
- Poems occasionally personify pills or medicine, reflecting on human experiences of pain and relief.
Origin of 'pills'
The word 'pills' originated from the Middle English word 'pilule', which came from the Latin word 'pilula' meaning 'little ball'. Pills have been used as a form of medicine for centuries, evolving from simple herbal remedies to sophisticated pharmaceutical formulations. In modern times, pills have become a common method of delivering medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.