Main Entry:

pre·scribe

Pronunciation:

\pri-ˈskrīb\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

pre·scribed; pre·scrib·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order, from prae- + scribere to write — more at scribe

Date:

15th century

intransitive verb1: to lay down a rule : dictate2 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin praescribere, from Latin, to write at the beginning] : to claim a title to something by right of prescription3: to write or give medical prescriptions4: to become by prescription invalid or unenforceabletransitive verb1 a: to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action : ordain b: to specify with authority2: to designate or order the use of as a remedy <prescribed a painkiller> <a prescribed burn to restore natural forest conditions>

— pre·scrib·er noun