# paracetamol

/pˈæɹəsˌɛtɐmˌɒl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paracetamol
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a common medicine you take to bring down a fever and ease mild pain, such as a headache or sore muscles.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically uncountable for the substance; quantified with 'tablet' or 'dose' for individual units.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.