Word
paracetamol
Phoneticsparac·eta·mol
UK/pˈæɹəsˌɛtɐmˌɒl/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a common medicine you take to bring down a fever and ease mild pain, such as a headache or sore muscles.
n. a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug that relieves mild to moderate pain and reduces fever. Often contrasted with anti-inflammatory drugs because it has little anti-inflammatory effect.
Examples
“I take paracetamol when I have a headache.”
“After her flu shot, the nurse tells her to rest and take paracetamol if she gets a fever.”
“Although paracetamol eases many kinds of pain, doctors warn that taking more than the recommended dose can seriously damage the liver.”
Examples
simple
“I take paracetamol when I have a headache.”
contextual
“After her flu shot, the nurse tells her to rest and take paracetamol if she gets a fever.”
complex
“Although paracetamol eases many kinds of pain, doctors warn that taking more than the recommended dose can seriously damage the liver.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “paracetamol” in context.
Verb
01. give paracetamol
“Do not give paracetamol to young children without asking a doctor.”
verb + noun
02. paracetamol helps
“Paracetamol helps with mild pain and high temperature.”
noun + verb
03. paracetamol works
“Rest and wait an hour until the paracetamol works.”
noun + verb
04. prescribe paracetamol
“The doctor prescribed paracetamol for my sore throat and fever.”
verb + noun
05. respond to paracetamol
“His fever did not respond to paracetamol, so we called the doctor.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. liquid paracetamol
“The doctor gave our baby liquid paracetamol for his fever.”
adj + noun
07. regular paracetamol
“Regular paracetamol is enough for my mild headache.”
adj + noun
08. soluble paracetamol
“My grandmother prefers soluble paracetamol because it is easier to swallow.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. dose of paracetamol
“Always check the correct dose of paracetamol on the packet.”
noun + prep + noun
10. overdose of paracetamol
“An overdose of paracetamol can seriously damage your liver.”
noun + prep + noun
11. packet of paracetamol
“I bought a packet of paracetamol at the pharmacy.”
noun + prep + noun
12. paracetamol brings down a fever
“Paracetamol brings down a fever within an hour or two.”
Usage
Typically uncountable for the substance; quantified with 'tablet' or 'dose' for individual units.
Real-World Examples
“Paracetamol is thought to be useful for headaches, toothache, and reducing fever – and its action can be enhanced by taking it with caffeine.” “A paracetamol overdose can cause severe liver and kidney damage, according to the NHS, with early symptoms often including nausea or vomiting and stomach pain.” “Paracetamol, meanwhile, works primarily in the brain to block pain signals, making it a good choice for headaches.” “Taking slightly too much paracetamol day after day can be fatal, experts have warned.” Etymology
Contraction of para-acetylaminophenol.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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