Word
PBS
Phoneticspbs
Definitions
01American television network
n. Stands for Public Broadcasting Service. This is a non-profit American TV network known for educational shows and news.
n. Abbreviation for Public Broadcasting Service. A non-commercial American television network and programme distributor funded by government grants and private donations.
“Many children in the United States grow up watching educational shows on PBS.”
“The documentary was aired on PBS, which is widely respected for its commitment to high-quality, non-commercial educational programming.”
American English
Usage
Usually functions as a proper noun and takes a singular verb.
Teaching tip
Learners should know this is the US equivalent of the BBC, though it is funded differently and has a stronger focus on education.
Synonyms
02biological buffer solution
n. Stands for phosphate-buffered saline. It is a salty water solution used in science labs to keep cells healthy.
n. Abbreviation for phosphate-buffered saline. A water-based salt solution containing disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride and, in some formulations, potassium chloride and potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
“The scientist washed the cells with PBS before starting the experiment.”
“The protocol requires the tissue samples to be suspended in PBS to maintain a stable pH and prevent cellular damage during transport.”
Technical
Usage
Commonly used as an uncountable noun in laboratory contexts.
Teaching tip
This is highly specialized; only relevant for students in medicine, biology, or chemistry.
03Australian medicine scheme
n. Stands for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It is an Australian government programme that makes medicine cheaper for citizens.
n. Abbreviation for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A programme of the Australian Government that subsidises the cost of prescription medicine for residents.
“The cost of his heart medication was covered by the PBS.”
“The government recently added several new cancer treatments to the PBS to make them more accessible to the general public.”
British English · Dialect
Usage
Usually preceded by 'the'.
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to the Australian healthcare context.
Real-World Examples
“PBS takes a look at the living conditions of sheepherders working in Colorado.” Domains
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/pbs