Word
prescription drug
Countable noun
Definition
n. a medicine that you can only get if a doctor gives you a formal note. You cannot buy these items directly off the shelf at a shop.
n. a pharmaceutical medication that legally requires a medical authorization from a licensed practitioner before it can be dispensed. Often contrasted with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
Examples
“You need a note from your doctor to buy this prescription drug.”
“The pharmacist checked the doctor's signature before handing over the prescription drug to the patient.”
“Rising costs associated with the development of a single prescription drug have sparked intense debate regarding patent lengths and public access to life-saving medications.”
Examples
simple
“You need a note from your doctor to buy this prescription drug.”
contextual
“The pharmacist checked the doctor's signature before handing over the prescription drug to the patient.”
complex
“Rising costs associated with the development of a single prescription drug have sparked intense debate regarding patent lengths and public access to life-saving medications.”
Usage
Commonly shortened to 'prescription' in daily speech when the context of medicine is clear.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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