pharmacology
/,fɑ:mə'kɔlədʤi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The scientific study of drugs and medications: This field encompasses the investigation of their origins, composition, pharmacokinetics (how the body affects a drug), pharmacodynamics (how a drug affects the body), therapeutic uses, and toxicological effects.
Usage
- Pharmacology is a core discipline for healthcare professionals like physicians, pharmacists, and researchers.
- It is used to describe the academic field, a department within a university, or a branch of research.
- Example: "She decided to specialize in pharmacology to research new cancer treatments."
Examples
- Noun:
- The new drug's mechanism of action is a primary question for pharmacology.
- Advances in pharmacology have led to more effective vaccines.
- He holds a PhD in pharmacology.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical pharmacology: A medical specialty focused on the use of drugs in patients, optimizing drug therapy and ensuring safety.
- Clinical pharmacology bridges the gap between laboratory science and medical practice.
- Psychopharmacology: The subfield concentrating on drugs that affect the mind, behavior, and emotions.
- His research in psychopharmacology focuses on antidepressants.
Variants and Related Words
- Pharmacological (adjective): Relating to pharmacology.
- The drug's pharmacological profile was well-documented.
- Pharmacologist (noun): A scientist who specializes in pharmacology.
- The pharmacologist presented the trial data.
Synonyms
- Pharmacy (Note: While related, "pharmacy" more commonly refers to the practice of preparing and dispensing drugs or a place where this is done, whereas "pharmacology" is the broader science behind it.)
- Materia medica (an older term for the body of knowledge about drugs' therapeutic properties).
Related Phrases and Collocations
- Molecular pharmacology: The study of drug interactions at the molecular level.
- Pharmacology and toxicology: Often paired, highlighting the study of both therapeutic and harmful effects of chemicals.
- Department of Pharmacology: A common name for an academic or research unit.
Noun
- the science or study of drugs: their preparation and properties and uses and effects