A2noun1K

Medicine

UK /["/ˈmedsn//ˈmedɪsn/"]/US /["/ˈmedɪsn/"]/

Definition

the study and treatment of diseases and injuries

In simple words: A substance used to treat illness or improve health.

Examples

  • She took her medicine every morning to stay healthy.
  • The doctor prescribed a new medicine for the cold.
  • He is studying medicine at the university.
  • Traditional medicine often uses herbs and natural remedies.
  • He learned that laughter can be its own kind of medicine.

Usage notes

Use 'medicine' in both spoken and written contexts when referring to drugs or treatments. It's appropriate in formal settings like hospitals and informal conversations about health.

Grammar pattern

medicine + use

Memory hint

Think of 'med' in 'medicine' as 'med school' for doctors.

Collocations

  • modern
  • traditional
  • folk
  • train in
  • qualify in
  • practise/​practice
  • a branch of medicine
  • powerful
  • strong
  • allergy
  • dose
  • take
  • swallow
  • prescribe (somebody)
  • cabinet
  • chest
  • bottle
  • medicine for

Synonyms

  • drug
  • treatment
  • remedy
  • cure
  • therapeutic

Antonyms

  • poison
  • toxin

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'medication', which refers specifically to the act of taking medicine.
  • Using 'medicine' to refer only to prescription drugs; it can also mean herbal or over-the-counter treatments.
  • Confounding 'medicine' with 'medicinal', which describes something that has healing properties.