pharmacy

[fahr-muh-see]

noun

plural

pharmacies 

1. Also called pharmaceutics. the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines.

2. a drugstore.

pharmacy

/ ˈfɑːməsɪ /

noun

1. Also called: pharmaceutics. the practice or art of preparing and dispensing drugs

2. a dispensary

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharmacy¹

1645–55; earlier pharmacia < Medieval Latin < Greek pharmakeía druggist's work. See pharmaco-, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharmacy¹

C14: from Medieval Latin pharmacia, from Greek pharmakeia making of drugs, from pharmakon drug

Example Sentences

Appointments can be booked online, by phoning 119 or at local pharmacies and GPs.

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Cencora—known as AmerisourceBergen before rebranding in 2023—is one of the largest companies in the U.S. that handle pharmaceutical distribution between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers such as pharmacies, doctors and hospital systems.

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Compounding pharmacies in the U.S. have been producing lower-cost versions of the drugs, a practice the U.S.

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While drugs sold in U.S. pharmacies or over the counter typically don’t say “made in China,” the country often supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients in the drugs or precursor chemicals used to make those active ingredients.

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Some online pharmacies are delivering drugs after a cursory phone consultation in the absence of a prescription.

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Related Words

• apothecary 
• dispensary 
• drugstore