Pharmaceutics
/ˌfɑːr.məˈsuː.tɪks/noun
The science and technology of preparing and dispensing medicines.
Did you know?Pharmaceutics ultimately comes from Greek pharmakon, a word that could mean both “remedy” and “poison,” which is why ancient medicine often carried an eerie double edge.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰer-
“Possibly an ancient root connected with carrying, bearing, or supplying, though the deeper prehistory of pharmakon is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phármakon
“A drug, potion, remedy, poison, or magical charm.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pharmakeía
“The use of drugs or potions; sorcery or witchcraft.”
Late Latin
Latin
pharmacia
“The preparation and use of medicinal drugs.”
Middle English
English
pharmacie
“The art or practice of preparing medicines.”
Modern English
English
pharmaceutics
“The science of designing and preparing medicines for use.”
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