Pharmacon
/ˈfɑːr.mə.kɒn/noun
A drug, medicine, or poison; in ancient Greek, something that can heal or harm.
Did you know?In Greek, pharmakon could mean a remedy, a poison, or even a magical charm, which is why the root behind “pharmacy” has always lived on the edge of healing and harm.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰer-
“To carry, bear, or bring forth”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φάρμακον (phármakon)
“A drug, remedy, poison, or charm”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φαρμακεία (pharmakeía)
“The use of drugs, potions, or magical arts”
Late Latin
Latin
pharmacum / pharmacia
“A medicine or place for medicines”
Old French
Old French
farmacie
“The practice of preparing medicines”
Middle English
English
pharmacy
“The art or practice of preparing and dispensing medicines”
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