prescription

pre·scrip·tion | \ pri-ˈskrip-shən

Definition of prescription

1a : 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

4a : 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

5a : ancient or long continued custom

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

6 : something prescribed as a rule

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Examples of prescription in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web MetroHealth is encouraging the public to drop off unused prescription drugs at its Cleveland Heights and Parma medical centers. — Evan Macdonald, cleveland, "Got any old or unwanted medications? Turn them in for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day," 22 Oct. 2020 For more about disposal of prescription drugs or Saturday’s Take Back Day, go to https://takebackday.dea.gov/. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, "South/East County Happenings, Oct. 22," 22 Oct. 2020 Many cases of opioid abuse involve prescription drugs. — Aj Willingham, CNN, "5 things to know for October 22: Election, Covid-19, SCOTUS, protests, Oxycontin," 22 Oct. 2020 In 2019, for example, China amended its Drug Administration Law to legitimize the sale of prescription drugs online. — Martin Mou, WSJ, "Covid-19 Gives Boost to China’s Telemedicine Industry," 22 Oct. 2020 That’s the first place thieves look. Lock up or remove your jewelry and prescription drugs, and shut down or lock desktop computers. — Lew Sichelman, courant.com, "Some real estate agents are ‘packing heat’," 21 Oct. 2020 The lawsuit arises as a growing number of Americans express concerns about the rising cost of prescription drugs and access to health care, which have been volatile political footballs for several years. — Ed Silverman @pharmalot, STAT, "Pharma contributed to attorneys general who want to repeal the Affordable Care Act," 20 Oct. 2020 Four years ago, Kitzhaber’s son Logan was involved in a wreck on U.S. 101 while under the influence of prescription drugs. — oregonlive, "Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber says he opposes one-of-a-kind drug decriminalization Measure 110," 19 Oct. 2020 The agencies are giving the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs that are expired, unused and unwanted. — Arkansas Online, "Law enforcement agencies to hold drug take-back event," 18 Oct. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

25 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Prescription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for prescription

prescription

noun

English Language Learners Definition of prescription

: 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

See the full definition for prescription in the English Language Learners Dictionary

prescription

noun

pre·scrip·tion | \ pri-ˈskrip-shən

Kids Definition of prescription

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

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

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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

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