apothecary
/ə'pɔθikəri/
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who prepares and sells medicines: An apothecary is a historical term for a professional who formulates, prepares, and dispenses medicinal drugs and remedies. This role was a precursor to the modern pharmacist or chemist.
Usage
- The term "apothecary" is now largely historical or archaic. It refers to the practice of pharmacy before the development of modern pharmaceutical industries and regulations.
- It can be used to evoke a historical or old-fashioned setting.
Examples
- In the 18th century, the apothecary would create remedies from herbs and other natural ingredients.
- The novel's setting included a small shop run by the town apothecary.
- He consulted the apothecary for a tonic to improve his health.
Advanced Usage
- "Apothecary" as a descriptor: Sometimes used attributively to describe things related to this historical profession or its style.
- The museum had a collection of apothecary jars.
- In compound terms (historical): Used in terms like "apothecary's shop" or "apothecary's weights" (a system of measurement for medicines).
Variants and Related Words
- Apothecaries' (adjective): Pertaining to an apothecary or apothecaries. Often seen in historical terms.
- The apothecaries' system of measurement was used for prescribing drugs.
- Pharmacist (noun): The modern equivalent; a health professional who dispenses medicines and advises on their use.
- Chemist (noun, chiefly British): A synonym for pharmacist, or a shop where medicines are sold.
- Druggist (noun, somewhat dated): A person who prepares and sells medicinal drugs.
Synonyms
- Pharmacist
- Chemist (British English)
- Druggist
Notes
- The role of an apothecary often involved both the scientific preparation of medicines and a more general practice of medical advice, which has since been divided into distinct professions (pharmacists, physicians).
- The "apothecary's shop" was the forerunner of the modern pharmacy or drugstore.
Noun
-
a health professional trained in the art of preparing and dispensing drugs
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