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Pharmaceutical - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Pharmaceutical refers to drugs or medicines used for medical treatment, including their development, production, and distribution. It is often related to healthcare and disease prevention.

pharmaceutical

/ˌfɑrməˈsutɪkəl/ /ˌfɑːməˈsuːtɪkəl/

Definition:

Relating to medicinal drugs, their production, and use in healthcare.

Synonyms:

medicinal, drug-related, pharmacologic, therapeutic

Part of Speech:

adjective, noun

Antonyms:

nonmedical, nontherapeutic

Common Collocations:

pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical company, pharmaceutical research, pharmaceutical products

Derivatives:

pharmaceutics, pharmacist

Usage Tips:

Use "pharmaceutical" to describe drugs or the industry producing them; avoid confusion with general medicine or healthcare terms.

Common Phrases:

pharmaceutical giant, pharmaceutical breakthrough, behind-the-counter pharmaceuticals

Etymology:

Derived from Greek "pharmakeia" (use of drugs) via Late Latin "pharmaceuticus."

Examples:

  • 1. The pharmaceutical company developed a new vaccine last year.
  • 2. She works in the pharmaceutical industry as a researcher.
  • 3. Pharmaceutical products must meet strict safety standards.
  • 4. The doctor prescribed a pharmaceutical treatment for his condition.
  • 5. Many countries regulate pharmaceutical advertising to protect consumers.

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