noun

chemist

A person qualified to prepare and supply medicines.

The British chemist prepares the prescribed medicine.

Etymology

The older root names alchemy and the preparation of substances. The practitioner’s name developed a pharmacy sense for someone whose work includes preparing and supplying medicines.

More examples

  • He asked the chemist about the prescription.
  • She explained that chemist meant pharmacist there.
  • Several chemists worked at the pharmacy.

Forms

chemist · chemists

Similar words

pharmacist
The usual American professional title.
druggist
An older American term for a pharmacist or pharmacy operator.