prescription

noun

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

Drug-store chains think express delivery is the prescription for their competition woes. — Erica E. Phillips, WSJ, "Today’s Logistics Report: Scrambling for Storage; Prescriptions for Delivery; New Auto Supply Chains," 7 Dec. 2018 The next day, investigators found a knife and razor blades caked with blood, an empty prescription bottle for 120 Vicodin pills, and an empty 4-ounce bottle of children’s Benadryl in the trash, the Bucks County Courier Times reported. — Bradford Betz, Fox News, "Pennsylvania mom killed son, 2, with lethal dose of Vicodin in sippy cup: police," 19 Sep. 2018 About 40 percent of Americans cannot figure out when to take a missed medication dose, given instructions on their prescription bottle. — Sandy Bauers, Philly.com, "Fear of math is harmful to your health. This woman wants to help.," 29 June 2018 Everyday items littered the ground everywhere: snowboard bindings, gas cans, grills, car batteries, a hand drill, a globe, pills in prescription bottles. — Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "Propane tanks are a favorite target for thieves camping in city woods. This former Anchorage judge is fed up.," 19 May 2018 Police determined that Brechtel had stuffed a prescription bottle containing a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia into his pants. — Kim Chatelain, NOLA.com, "Ponchatoula High baseball coach accused of DUI, reckless driving," 13 Apr. 2018 While talking to the driver, the officer smelled booze and noticed prescription bottles. — John Benson, cleveland.com, "Drunk Parma man arrested for driving on wrong side of the road: North Royalton Police Blotter," 12 Apr. 2018 In 2009 a detective investigating prescription-drug dealing in Philadelphia received a tip about Dr. Gosnell from an informant. — Jason L. Riley, WSJ, "‘Gosnell,’ Like Its Namesake, Faces a Media Blackout," 16 Oct. 2018 Instead, talk to your doctor about treating oral or genital herpes outbreaks with prescription antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, Dr. Finney says. — Krissy Brady, SELF, "What Tea Tree Oil Can and Can’t Do for Your Skin," 4 Oct. 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.

History and Etymology for 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

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Dictionary Entries near prescription

Statistics for prescription

Last Updated

13 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for prescription

The first known use of prescription was in the 14th century

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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

History and Etymology for 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