prescription

noun pre·scrip·tion \ pri-ˈskrip-shən \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of prescription

1 a : the establishment of a claim of title to something under common law usually by use and enjoyment for a period fixed by statute

b : the right or title acquired under common law by such possession

2 : the process of making claim to something by long use and enjoyment

3 : the action of laying down authoritative rules or directions

4 a : a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent; specifically : one for the preparation and use of a medicine

b : a prescribed medicine

c : something (such as a recommendation) resembling a doctor's prescription

prescriptions for economic recovery

5 a : ancient or long continued custom

b : a claim founded upon ancient custom or long continued use

6 : something prescribed as a rule

See prescription defined for English-language learners

See prescription defined for kids

Examples of prescription in a Sentence

The drug is only sold with a prescription.
I have to pick up my prescription.

Recent Examples of prescription from the Web

The indictment details 45 incidents involving drug trafficking - namely heroin, cocaine, marijuana, Ecstasy, prescription pills and methamphetamine.

— heather nolan, NOLA.com, "9 charged in racketeering indictment stemming from D-Block drug ring investigation," 15 May 2018
He was also cited for reasonable control and marijuana possession because marijuana and unprescribed prescription pills were found in his car.

— brian lisik/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Four businesses cited for underage alcohol sales: Avon Police Blotter," 14 May 2018
Unlicensed pain management clinics were doling out excessive prescription pills to patients and, in some cases, operating like drug dealers.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio governor's race: Candidates say they've tackled heroin crisis. But it's getting worse," 3 May 2018
Hatter also sold cocaine and prescription pills occasionally, Bender said.

— ivana hrynkiw, AL.com, "Man on trial for stabbing, slitting throat of ex-girlfriend in east Birmingham home," 1 May 2018
Opioids include prescription pills like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and others.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Dr. Sanjay Gupta Said Legal Medical Marijuana Could Decrease Opioid Deaths in Letter," 24 Apr. 2018
During the last Take Back Day this past October, 456 tons of prescription pills were collected at more than 5,300 sites across the U.S.

— sarah klein, Health.com, "National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Is Saturday. Here's Why It's So Important," 24 Apr. 2018
It is typically treated initially in acute cases with transfusions of vitamin K, followed by high-dose prescription pills.

— robert mccoppin, chicagotribune.com, "Illinois gets donation of nearly 800,000 vitamin K tablets to treat poisoning from synthetic marijuana," 23 Apr. 2018
Eminem ended years of addiction to prescription pills Vicodin, Valium and Ambien on April 20, 2008.

— mitchell peters, Billboard, "Eminem Celebrates 10 Years of Sobriety on Social Media," 22 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prescription.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of prescription

partly from Middle English prescripcion establishment of a claim, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin praescription-, praescriptio, from Latin, act of writing at the beginning, order, limitation of subject matter, from praescribere; partly from Latin praescription-, praescriptio order

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

prescription Synonyms

Synonyms

convention, custom, heritage, rubric, rule, tradition;

birthright, inheritance, legacy;

folklore, lore, superstition;

culture, lifestyle;

PRESCRIPTION Defined for English Language Learners

prescription

noun

Definition of prescription for English Language Learners

: a written message from a doctor that officially tells someone to use a medicine, therapy, etc.
: a medicine or drug that a doctor officially tells someone to use
: something that is suggested as a way to do something or to make something happen

PRESCRIPTION Defined for Kids

prescription

noun pre·scrip·tion \ pri-ˈskrip-shən \

Definition of prescription for Students

1 : a written direction or order for the preparing and use of a medicine

2 : a medicine that is ordered by a doctor as a remedy

Medical Dictionary

prescription

noun pre·scrip·tion \ pri-ˈskrip-shən \

medical Definition of prescription

1 : a written direction for the preparation, compounding, and administration of a medicine

2 : a prescribed remedy

3 : a written formula for the grinding of corrective lenses for eyeglasses

4 : a written direction for the application of physical therapy measures (as directed exercise or electrotherapy) in cases of injury or disability

Law Dictionary

prescription

noun pre·scrip·tion \ pri-ˈskrip-shən \

legal Definition of prescription

1 : acquisition of an interest (as an easement) in real property that is usually less than a fee by long-term, continuous, open, and hostile use and possession as determined by the law of a jurisdiction

gained title by prescription

— see also easement by prescription at easement — compare adverse possession at possession

2 in the civil law of Louisiana

a : the running of a period of time set by law after which a right is unenforceable in Louisiana courts but may be enforced in another state forum

an interruption of prescription

by the prescription of ten years

; also : the bar to an action that results from prescription — see also peremptory exception — compare peremption

b : the creation of a right by the running of a period of time set by law; especially : acquisitive prescription in this entry

predial servitudes on property of the state may not be acquired by prescription
—Louisiana Civil Code

— acquisitive prescription \ə-ˈkwi-zə-tiv-\

: acquisition of ownership or other real rights in movables or immovables by continuous, uninterrupted, peaceable, public, and unequivocal possession for a period of time (as 10 years) set by law; also : such possession that creates real rights

acquisitive prescription is interrupted when the possessor acknowledges the right of the owner
—Louisiana Civil Code

Note: The Louisiana Civil Code has set various periods of time for acquisitive prescription of movables and immovables. With the shorter periods (as 10 years for immovables or 3 years for movables) the Code also requires that the possessor possess in good faith and under just title. Acquisitive prescription does not run in favor of a person having precarious possession, because he or she possess the property on behalf of or with permission of the owner, until the possessor begins to possess the property on his or her own behalf (as after a lease terminates).

— liberative prescription

: a period of time set by law (as one year) after which legal action is barred if no steps have been taken to enforce or litigate the right

delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of one year
—Louisiana Civil Code

Note: Liberative prescription is similar to the common-law statute of limitations.

— prescription of nonuse

: the extinguishment or termination of a real right other than ownership as a result of the failure to exercise the right for a period of time (as 10 years) set by law; also : the period of time

3 : something prescribed as a rule

created a legal prescription against such acts

Origin and Etymology of prescription

partly from Middle French prescription establishment of a claim, from Late Latin praescription- praescriptio, from Latin, act of writing at the beginning, order, from praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order; partly from Latin praescription- praescriptio order