ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pharmacist

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈfɑɹməsɪst// UK //fˈɑːmɐsˌɪst// phar·ma·cist Literary

n. a person who is trained to prepare and give out medicines. They work in a shop or hospital and can give you advice on how to take your pills safely.

n. a healthcare professional qualified to prepare and dispense medicinal drugs. Often serves as a primary point of contact for patient medication counselling and minor ailment advice.


SIMPLE

The pharmacist explains how to take the medicine.

CONTEXTUAL

If you are unsure about the side effects of your new prescription, you should ask the pharmacist for advice.

COMPLEX

In many rural communities, the pharmacist acts as a vital bridge between the patient and the healthcare system, providing essential diagnostic screening alongside traditional dispensing duties.

Synonyms
Origin

From pharmacy (“the art of preparing drugs, a drug, especially laxatives”) + -ist.

Usage

Commonly used with the definite article when referring to the professional at a specific shop ('the pharmacist').

Pitfall

I went to the pharmacy to see the pharmacy.I went to the pharmacy to see the pharmacist.Learners often confuse the place (pharmacy) with the person (pharmacist).

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