ENGLISH
REFERENCE

apothecary

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //əˈpɑθəˌkɛɹi// UK //ɐpˈɒθɪkəɹi// apothe·cary Archaic

n. a person who prepares and sells medicine. In the past, this was the job of a shopkeeper who also sold herbs and spices.

n. a person who prepares and dispenses medicinal drugs. Historically, the term also referred to a shopkeeper who sold herbs, spices, and other household goods.


SIMPLE

The apothecary prepared a special medicine for the sick child.

CONTEXTUAL

In the 18th century, the local apothecary was a central figure in the community, managing both medical and culinary supplies.

COMPLEX

The novel opens in a dimly lit apothecary shop where the protagonist discovers a rare manuscript detailing the alchemical properties of local flora.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French apotecaire (whence French apothicaire), from Medieval Latin apothecarius (“storekeeper”), from Latin apotheca (“(originally) repository, storehouse, warehouse; (later) shop, store”), from Ancient Greek ἀποθήκη (apothḗkē, “a repository, storehouse”), from ἀπό (apó, “away”) + τίθημι (títhēmi, “to put”), literally “a place where things are put away”. Doublet of boutique and bodega.

Idioms1 entry

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