suppository

[ suh-poz-i-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural sup·pos·i·to·ries.

1. a solid, conical mass of medicinal substance that melts upon insertion into the rectum or vagina.

suppository

/ -trɪ; səˈpɒzɪtərɪ /

noun

1. med an encapsulated or solid medication for insertion into the vagina, rectum, or urethra, where it melts and releases the active substance

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppository¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin suppositōrium, equivalent to supposi-, variant stem of suppōnere ( suppose ) + -tōrium -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppository¹

C14: from Medieval Latin suppositōrium, from Latin suppositus placed beneath, from suppōnere; see suppose

Example Sentences

Alan: Are you supposed to do this up your nose or is this a suppository?

From The Daily Beast

As a rule, the needle had better not be used, but a suppository given.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems inartistic and sordid to insert a pessary or a suppository in anticipation of the sexual act.

From Project Gutenberg

When for two to three feet the lower bowel requires nourishment, a suppository night and morning is prescribed!

From Project Gutenberg

Make a suppository and insert night: Cocaine hydrochlorate, two grains; ext.

From Project Gutenberg

Opium given by the mouth or in suppository in equivalent quantity does not act with anything like the same efficacy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alleged
• assumed
• putative
• regarded
• rumored
• supposed