pharmaceutical

UK: ˌfɑːməˈsjuːtɪkəl | US: ˌfɑːrməˈsuːtɪkəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to the production or sale of medicinal drugs

  2. n. a medicinal drug

Structure
pharm <drug, from Greek *pharmakon*>eutic <adjective suffix, from Greek *-eutikos*>al <adjective suffix, from Latin *-alis*>
Etymology

The word traces back to Greek pharmakeutikos (pertaining to drugs), derived from pharmakon (drug, remedy). The suffix -eutikos denotes "related to," while Latin -alis was later added to form the adjective. Over time, it evolved into "pharmaceutical" in English, retaining its core meaning of medicinal substances.

Examples

  1. The pharmaceutical industry invests heavily in research and development.

  2. She works for a leading pharmaceutical company.

  3. This pharmaceutical product requires a prescription.

  4. The government regulates pharmaceutical standards strictly.

  5. He studied pharmaceutical sciences at university.