apothecaries' weight
noun
a system of weights used chiefly in compounding and dispensing drugs: 20 grains = 1 scruple (℈); 3 scruples = 1 dram (dr); 8 drams = 1 ounce); 12 ounces = 1 pound. The grain, ounce, and pound are the same as in troy weight, the grain alone being the same as in avoirdupois weight.
Nearby words
apostolic vicar, apostolos, apostrophe, apostrophize, apothecaries' measure, apothecaries' weight, apothecary, apothecary jar, apothecium, apothegm, apothem
Origin of apothecaries' weight
First recorded in 1755–65
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for apothecaries' weight
apothecaries' weight
noun
a system of weights, formerly used in pharmacy, based on the Troy ounce, which contains 480 grains. 1 grain is equal to 0.065 gram
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for apothecaries' weight
apothecaries' weight
n.
A system of weights used in compounding prescriptions and in which an ounce equals 480 grains and a pound equals 12 ounces.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for apothecaries' weight
apothecaries' weight
[ ə-pŏth′ĭ-kĕr′ēz ]
A system of weights used in pharmacy and based on an ounce equal to 480 grains and a pound equal to 12 ounces. It has been largely replaced by measures of the metric system.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.