Medication

Definition

Medication refers to a substance or drug used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or to alleviate symptoms.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌmɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/
• Respelling: MED-i-KAY-shun (with "MED" as in "medicine," "i" as in "sit," "KAY" as in "day," and "shun" as in "nation")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌmɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/
• Respelling: MED-i-KAY-shun (with "MED" as in "medicine," "i" as in "sit," "KAY" as in "day," and "shun" as in "nation")

In both dialects, "medication" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "KAY." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MED-i-KAY-shun."

Etymology

The term "medication" is derived from the Latin word "medicatio," meaning "healing, medical treatment." It has roots in "medicare" which means "to heal, cure."

Derivatives

• Medicinal
• Medicate
• Medicated
• Medicating
• Medicative

Synonyms

• Drug
• Remedy
• Prescription

Antonyms

• Toxin
• Poison
• Contaminant

Usage

General Usage

In common parlance, "medication" is used to refer to any therapeutic substance that is administered to produce a desired effect, whether that be the alleviation of symptoms, curing of a disease, or prevention of a condition.

Technical Usage

In the medical field, "medication" specifically refers to drugs and other substances prescribed by healthcare professionals. The term may encompass a broad range of formulations, from over-the-counter pills to prescribed injections.

Related Terms

• Pharmaceutical
• Treatment
• Dosage
• Therapy
• Side-effect

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Therapeutic Substance: A drug or other form of substance used to treat, prevent, or diagnose a disease or medical condition.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a new medication to lower the patient's blood pressure.

• Act of Applying: The act or process of treating a patient with drugs or other therapeutic substances.
• Example: Proper medication is crucial for managing certain chronic illnesses.

• Material Used for Healing: Any substance or material (often a mixture) used to heal wounds or injuries.
• Example: The first-aid kit included basic medications for cuts and bruises.