pharmacology

[ fahr-muh-kol-uh-jee ]

/ ˌfɑr məˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

the science dealing with the preparation, uses, and especially the effects of drugs.

Nearby words

pharmacognosy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacol., pharmacolite, pharmacologist, pharmacology, pharmacopeia, pharmacopeial, pharmacopeial gel, pharmacopoeia, pharmacopsychosis

Origin of pharmacology

From the New Latin word pharmacologia, dating back to 1715–25. See pharmaco-, -logy

Related formsphar·ma·co·log·i·cal

[fahr-muh-kuh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌfɑr mə kəˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, phar·ma·co·log·ic, adjectivephar·ma·co·log·i·cal·ly, adverbphar·ma·col·o·gist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pharmacological

And when the third factor of pharmacological chemistry is introduced, it becomes totally unpredictable.
This Is Your E-Cigarette on Drugs|Daniel Genis|July 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And yet there's something missing from pharmacological lit that you might not even notice at first.
The Best Stoner Novels|Sam Munson|April 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The pharmacological action of hops is determined first by the volatile oil they contain, which has the actions of its class.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 6|Various
Copaiba shares the pharmacological characters of volatile oils generally.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3|Various

For other pharmacological characters and the therapeutic employments of coca see Cocaine.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5|Various
Pharmacological studies on lower forms of life have also revealed marked variations in the effect of some poisons.
The Toxicity of Caffein|William Salant
The chemist who has had no practical experience in pharmacological methods would be wiser to keep to his chemical tests.
Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology|W. G. Aitchison Robertson

British Dictionary definitions for pharmacological

pharmacology

/ (ˌfɑːməˈkɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the science of drugs, including their characteristics and uses

Derived Formspharmacological (ˌfɑːməkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectivepharmacologically, adverbpharmacologist, noun

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

Word Origin and History for pharmacological

pharmacology

1721, formed in Modern Latin (1680s) from pharmaco- + -logy. Related: Pharmacological.

Medicine definitions for pharmacological

pharmacology

[ fär′mə-kŏl′ə-jē ]

n.

The science of drugs, including their composition, uses, and effects.

The characteristics or properties of a drug, especially those that make it medically effective.

Related formsphar′ma•co•log′ic (-kə-lŏj′ĭk) adj.

Science definitions for pharmacological

pharmacology

[ fär′mə-kŏl′ə-jē ]

The scientific study of drugs and their effects, especially in the treatment of disease.