medicine
- 01 A2 Elementary
a substance like a pill or liquid that you take to feel better when you are sick.
a pharmaceutical substance or preparation used in the treatment or prevention of disease.
Simple“The doctor told him to take the medicine twice a day after meals.”
In context“The patient showed significant improvement after completing the full course of prescribed medicine, despite initial concerns about side effects.”
PitfallI took a medicine for my headache. I took some medicine for my headache.When talking about the substance in general, 'medicine' is often uncountable. Use 'some medicine' or 'a dose of medicine' instead of 'a medicine'.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
the study of how to treat illnesses and keep people healthy.
the science and academic discipline concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Simple“She wants to study medicine at university and become a surgeon.”
In context“Advances in modern medicine have dramatically increased life expectancy by eradicating several previously fatal infectious diseases.”
Synonymsmedical science - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the job or work of being a doctor.
the professional practice of physicians and surgeons as a collective career path.
Simple“He has spent over thirty years practicing medicine in rural communities.”
In context“The ethics of medicine require practitioners to prioritize patient welfare above all other professional considerations.”
Synonymsmedical practice - 04 C1 Advanced
traditional or magical objects and rituals used by some cultures for healing or protection.
ritual magic or sacred objects used in traditional cultures, particularly among Native American peoples, to influence natural or spiritual forces.
Simple“The tribe used a medicine bag to carry sacred items for protection.”
In context“The anthropologist documented how the community's traditional medicine integrated herbal remedies with complex spiritual ceremonies.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
something difficult or unpleasant that you must accept because it will help you later.
an unpleasant consequence or experience that is perceived as necessary for improvement or correction.
Simple“He didn't like the criticism, but he knew he had to take his medicine.”
In context“After the scandal, the company had to take its medicine and pay the heavy fines imposed by the regulator.”
UsageOften used in the idiom 'to take one's medicine'.
Synonymscomeuppancepunishment
Usage modern medicine · western medicine
From Middle English medicin, from Middle French medicine, from Old French medecine, from Latin medicīna (“the healing art, medicine, a physician's shop, a remedy, medicine”), feminine of medicīnus (“of or belonging to physic or surgery, or to a physician or surgeon”), from medicus (“a physician, surgeon”). The extended sense of "Indigenous magic" is a calque of Ojibwe mashkiki (“medicine”) or mide (or cognates in related languages) when used in compounds such as Grand Medicine Society, medicine lodge, medicine dance, medicine bag, medicine wheel, medicine man, Medicine Line, and bad medicine or place names such as Medicine Hat, Medicine Creek, etc.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.