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Prescriptions: meaning, definitions and examples

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prescriptions

 

[prɪˈskrɪpʃənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

Written instructions from a medical practitioner that authorize a patient to be provided a medicine or treatment.

Synonyms

doctor's orders, medicine order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prescriptions

Refers to the legal, written authorization from a healthcare professional for specific medication.

  • I need to renew my prescriptions every month
  • The prescription has expired, and I need a new one from my doctor
medicine order

Specifically used in a hospital or clinical setting where a healthcare provider orders medication directly for patient administration, often electronically.

  • The nurse checked the patient's chart for the latest medicine order
  • The doctor updated the medicine order in the hospital's system
doctor's orders

Used in a general sense to refer to instructions or recommendations given by a doctor, which can include medication, rest, dietary changes, or other treatments.

  • I'm on strict bed rest according to the doctor's orders
  • My doctor's orders include taking these pills twice a day

Examples of usage

  • The doctor wrote several prescriptions for the patient's various ailments.
  • Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the prescription carefully.
Context #2 | Noun

general

An authoritative recommendation or suggestion.

Synonyms

advice, recommendation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prescriptions

Use when referring to medical instructions written by a doctor for the medication a patient should take.

  • The doctor gave me prescriptions for antibiotics.
  • I need to refill my prescriptions at the pharmacy.
recommendation

Use when suggesting something as the best course of action or when endorsing a particular choice, usually in a formal or semi-formal context.

  • My manager gave a strong recommendation for my promotion.
  • We need your recommendation on which software to use.
advice

Use when offering a suggestion or guidance in a general context, usually based on personal experience or knowledge.

  • She gave me some good advice on managing stress.
  • I need your advice on what to wear to the interview.

Examples of usage

  • The book offers prescriptions for achieving success in business.
  • His speech was filled with prescriptions for a better society.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in the Latin term 'praescriptio' meaning 'a writing beforehand'.
  • It evolved to describe instructions given in advance, particularly relating to medical treatments.

Historical Origins

  • Ancient Greeks used herbal remedies and similar instructions, laying the groundwork for today's prescriptions.
  • In the Middle Ages, the use of written formulas for medicines became common among apothecaries.
  • The modern system of prescriptions gained prominence in the 19th century with the rise of pharmacies.

Health and Medicine

  • Prescriptions can include not only medications but also therapies, lifestyle changes, and treatments.
  • Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring prescriptions are understood and followed correctly.
  • Many countries have regulations that control what can be prescribed, especially narcotics or controlled substances.

Cultural Significance

  • In popular culture, prescriptions often symbolize authority, such as a doctor's power to prescribe health solutions.
  • Films and books often depict the act of getting a prescription as a pivotal moment in a character's health journey.

Technology and Innovation

  • Electronic prescriptions, or e-prescriptions, have streamlined the process, making it easier for doctors and patients.
  • Mobile apps are increasingly used to manage prescriptions, allowing patients to track their medications.

Translations

Translations of the word "prescriptions" in other languages:

🇵🇹 receitas médicas

🇮🇳 प्रिस्क्रिप्शन

🇩🇪 Rezepte

🇮🇩 resep

🇺🇦 рецепти

🇵🇱 recepty

🇯🇵 処方箋

🇫🇷 ordonnances

🇪🇸 recetas

🇹🇷 reçeteler

🇰🇷 처방전

🇸🇦 وصفات طبية

🇨🇿 předpisy

🇸🇰 predpisy

🇨🇳 处方

🇸🇮 recepti

🇮🇸 lyfseðlar

🇰🇿 рецепттер

🇬🇪 რეცეპტები

🇦🇿 reseptlər

🇲🇽 recetas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,022, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.