pill

UK: pɪl | US: pɪl

Definition

  1. n. a small, solid dose of medicine, typically round or oval, to be swallowed whole

  2. n. (informal) a tedious or unpleasant person

  3. n. (slang) a contraceptive pill

Structure

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Etymology

The word "pill" traces back to Middle English pille, derived from Latin pilula (meaning "little ball"), a diminutive of pila ("ball"). Originally referring to small medicinal balls, the term evolved to describe compressed tablets in modern usage. Its informal meanings (e.g., "annoying person") emerged later through metaphorical extension.

Examples

  1. She took a pill to relieve her headache.

  2. The doctor prescribed two pills daily.

  3. He’s such a pill when he’s tired.

  4. Many women use the pill as birth control.

  5. The herbal pill dissolved quickly in water.