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Prescription: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’Š
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prescription

 

[prษชหˆskrษชpสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A prescription is a written direction from a physician to a pharmacist for the preparation and use of a medicine.

Synonyms

doctor's order, medical order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prescription

Typically used when discussing a doctor's written instruction for the administration of a medicine or treatment. It is often needed for regulated medications.

  • The pharmacist filled my prescription quickly.
  • I need to get my prescription renewed for my blood pressure medication.
medical order

A formal directive from a doctor or medical professional that encompasses a range of instructions beyond just medication, potentially including lifestyle changes, duration of treatments, and other care needs.

  • The medical order included instructions for a special diet and physical therapy.
  • He was discharged with a medical order to avoid strenuous activities.
doctor's order

This term can be used in a broader sense than 'prescription' and refers to any direction given by a doctor regarding treatment, medication, or care. Often used in a hospital or clinical setting.

  • The nurse followed the doctor's order to administer the injection.
  • Family members must respect the doctor's order for complete bed rest.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor wrote a prescription for antibiotics.
  • She filled the prescription at the pharmacy.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A prescription is an order, especially a legal one.

Synonyms

decree, mandate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prescription

Used in medical situations when a doctor provides a written instruction for the treatment or medication of a patient.

  • The doctor gave him a prescription for antibiotics.
  • You need to have a prescription to buy this medication.
mandate

Used when an authoritative order or official instruction is given, often in political or organizational settings. It usually implies a duty to comply.

  • The new policy mandates that all employees wear masks.
  • The government has a mandate to improve public health services.
decree

Used in legal or authoritative contexts where an official order is issued by a court or government.

  • The king issued a decree banning public gatherings.
  • The court's decree finalized the dissolution of the company.

Examples of usage

  • The court issued a prescription for the company to stop its illegal activities.
  • The prescription stated that the defendant must pay a fine.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praescriptio', which means 'written beforehand'.
  • It has roots in the medieval Latin word 'praescriptus', which refers to a written order or direction.
  • The term has evolved over time, originally referring to any directive before becoming associated primarily with medical orders.

History

  • The formal practice of writing medical prescriptions dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks.
  • In the 17th century, pharmacies began to keep written records of prescriptions to ensure accurate dispensing.
  • The introduction of the prescription pad was significant in the 20th century, aiding in the management of medications and reducing errors.

Science

  • Prescriptions are based on the understanding of pharmacology, the study of how drugs interact with the body.
  • Dosage and duration are carefully calculated based on a patientโ€™s age, weight, and health condition to ensure safety and effectiveness.
  • Many prescriptions now include information on potential side effects and interactions with other medications to educate patients.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often navigate the drama of getting and taking prescriptions, highlighting the importance of medicine in daily life.
  • Some modern sitcoms joke about the challenges of reading a doctor's handwriting on prescriptions, emphasizing the need for clear communication.
  • Prescriptions have become a common topic in health-related reality shows, illustrating the journey many go through to find the right treatment.

Literature

  • Prescriptions often appear in literature as symbols of authority and trust, reflecting the doctor-patient relationship.
  • In dystopian novels, the concept of prescriptions can be twisted to comment on the control over personal health and freedoms.
  • Notable works occasionally reference prescriptions to make statements about reliance on medicine in society, exploring themes of health and power.

Translations

Translations of the word "prescription" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น receita

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคฟเคธเฅเค•เฅเคฐเคฟเคชเฅเคถเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rezept

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ resep

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะตั†ะตะฟั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ recepta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‡ฆๆ–น็ฎ‹ (ใ—ใ‚‡ใปใ†ใ›ใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ordonnance

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ receta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท reรงete

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฒ˜๋ฐฉ์ „

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุตูุฉ ุทุจูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ recept

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ recept

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅค„ๆ–น (chว”fฤng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ recept

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lyfseรฐill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะตั†ะตะฟั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒชแƒ”แƒžแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ resept

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ receta

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,445 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.