noun
dispensary
dih-SPEN-suh-ree/dɪˈspensəri/
A place where medicines or medical supplies are provided.
At the dispensary, a pharmacist hands a sealed medicine packet across the counter.
Etymology
The pieces preserve the image of weighing things out for distribution, especially medicines. The ancestor named someone who dispenses; the English noun names the place where medicines are provided.
In context
in states where medical marijuana is legal they people can't get it from the pharmacy they have to go to a special government I mean state approved dispensary
More examples
- The hospital dispensary fills prescriptions for patients before they leave.
- Nurses collect bandages and other supplies from the dispensary.
- Two mobile dispensaries bring medicine to remote communities.
Forms
dispensary · dispensaries
dispense verb — To prepare and give out medicines.
Similar words
- pharmacy
- Specifically prepares and dispenses medicines, especially those ordered by prescription.
- drugstore
- A retail store selling medicines and many everyday goods.