Drug
/drʌɡ/noun
A substance used for medical purposes, especially to treat illness or relieve pain.
Did you know?The term 'drug' originally referred to dried herbs and roots used in ancient magic and alchemy, hinting at its once mystical associations.
Etymological Timeline
Middle Dutch
Dutch
droge
“Dried (referring to dried plants or herbs used medicinally)”
Old French
Old French
drogue
“A term for a substance or medicine, often with alchemical connotations.”
14th Century
English
drugge
“A substance used in medicine or magic, indicating a blend of practicality and mysticism.”
Modern English
English
drug
“A widely recognized term for medicinal substances, divorced from its mystical roots.”