pharmacy

UK: ˈfɑːməsi | US: ˈfɑːrməsi

Definition
  1. n. a place where medicinal drugs are prepared, dispensed, or sold

  2. n. the science or practice of preparing and dispensing medicinal drugs

Structure
pharmac <drug, remedy (from Greek *pharmakon*)>y <noun suffix denoting place or practice>
Etymology

The word "pharmacy" traces back to the Greek pharmakon, meaning "drug" or "remedy." The suffix "-y" (via Latin -ia and Old French -ie) denotes a place or field of practice. Historically, pharmakon could refer to both healing medicines and poisons, reflecting the dual nature of substances used in ancient medicine. Over time, "pharmacy" evolved to specifically describe the profession and location of preparing and dispensing medicinal drugs.

Examples
  1. She picked up her prescription at the local pharmacy.

  2. Modern pharmacy combines chemistry and healthcare to develop new treatments.

  3. He studied pharmacy at university to become a licensed pharmacist.

  4. The pharmacy was closed, so they had to find an emergency alternative.

  5. Ancient Greek pharmacy relied heavily on herbal remedies.