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Prescriptions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'prescriptions'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'prescriptions' originated from the Latin word 'praescriptio', which means 'a writing before, direction, order'. The concept of prescribing medication or treatment dates back to ancient civilizations, where healers and medical practitioners would provide written instructions for remedies. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not just medical directives but also general recommendations or authoritative suggestions in various fields.

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.