rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryprescriptionMedical instruction
noun

prescription

prih-SKRIP-shun/prɪˈskrɪpʃn/

An authorized written direction for medical treatment.

The hand holds a prescription beside the plain medicine container.

Close view of an adult hand holding a doctor's prescription slip marked only Rx with a plain medicine container beside it, no drug names, dosage or other text.
Etymology
preLatinbefore
+scriptLatinto write
+ionLatinaction or result

“Writing before” developed into the sense of an order or direction. A medical prescription is a doctor's written direction specifying the remedy and how the patient should use it.

In context

The Dr. Gundry Podcast12:12
I have actually written a lot of my patients a prescription for a dog and some of my patients have actually brought that prescription back framed
Dr. Gundry Interviews Brett Bartholomew | Ep33

More examples

  • The pharmacist checks the dosage on my prescription.
  • You need a prescription to buy this medication.
  • My eye doctor gives me a new prescription for glasses.

Forms

prescription · prescriptions

prescribe verb — To authorize medical treatment through written instructions.

Similar words

order
A medical order can also authorize tests or procedures.
instruction
An instruction need not carry a clinician's medical authorization.