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 verb 1 : to lay down a rule : dictate
2 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin praescribere, from Latin, to write at the beginning] : to claim a title to something by right of prescription
3 : to write or give medical prescriptions
4 : to become by prescription invalid or unenforceabletransitive verb 1 a : to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action : ordain b : to specify with authority
2 : 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