Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of capacity or volume in the apothecary system: A drachm is a unit of liquid measure equal to one eighth of a fluid ounce, or approximately 3.6967 milliliters in the US customary system.
   • A British imperial capacity measure: A drachm is a unit of liquid or dry measure equal to 60 minims or 3.5516 cubic centimeters.
   • A unit of apothecary weight: A drachm is a unit of mass equal to one eighth of an apothecary ounce or to 60 grains (approximately 3.8879 grams).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old recipe called for one drachm of the tincture.
  • In the imperial system, a fluid drachm is 60 minims.
  • The apothecary measured a drachm of powdered medicine on the scale.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The drachm (also spelled ) is an archaic unit primarily used in historical apothecary and troy weight systems. It is rarely used in modern contexts outside of historical references or specific traditional practices.
• "Drachm" vs. "Dram": The spelling "drachm" is more common in British and historical apothecary contexts, while "dram" is a common variant, especially in the US for the unit of weight.

Variants and Related Words

• Dram (n): A common variant spelling of "drachm," especially for the unit of weight.
• Fluid Drachm (n): Specifically denotes the unit of liquid volume.
• Apothecaries' Drachm (n): Specifically denotes the unit of mass in the apothecaries' system.

Synonyms

• Eighth of an ounce: Describes its proportional value in both weight and volume systems.
• Sixtieth part of an ounce (by minims): Describes its subdivision in the imperial fluid measure.

Notes on Meaning

• Different Systems: The exact mass or volume of a drachm depends on whether it is part of the apothecaries' system (for weight), the US customary system, or the British imperial system (for volume). The values are similar but not identical.
• Modern Equivalents: In contemporary use, metric units (milliliters, grams) have almost entirely replaced the drachm.

Noun

1. a unit of capacity or volume in the apothecary system equal to one eighth of a fluid ounce
2. a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 60 minims or 3.5516 cubic centimeters
3. a unit of apothecary weight equal to an eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains