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prescription

noun
pre·​scrip·​tion | \ pri-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce prescription (audio) \

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
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about prescription

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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

 Tech giants like Amazon and Apple are expanding their businesses to include electronic health records -- which contain data on diagnoses, prescriptions and other medical information. — Maureen Farrell, WSJ, "Digital-Health Startup Livongo Eyes 2019 IPO," 7 Mar. 2019 Forgo Band-Aid solutions, such as prescriptions and procedures, and focus on long-lasting results that will ultimately reduce lifetime health costs. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Inside the New York Wellness Space That Could Be the Future of Primary Care," 30 Jan. 2019 Opioids, including prescriptions and heroin, killed 42,000 people in the U.S. in 2016. — Gregg Re, Fox News, "Senate approves bipartisan opioid legislation, cracking down on shipments Trump called 'almost a form of warfare'," 18 Sep. 2018 This includes eyeglasses, contact solution, hygiene supplies, and prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are taken regularly. — Melissa Kossler Dutton, The Seattle Times, "Wildfire haze is good reminder to update your go-bag. Here’s how," 21 Aug. 2018 But, since fewer drugs were doled out, less harm was done by incorrect prescriptions and side-effects. — The Economist, "Hospitals are learning from industry how to cut medical errors," 28 June 2018 Neither policy is included among the House bills, though some legislation would create stricter oversight for opioid prescriptions and better monitoring for at-risk patients. — Lev Facher, STAT, "What’s in the House’s bills to address the opioid crisis — and what’s not," 21 June 2018 Walgreens is a national retail drug store chain offering prescription and non-prescription drugs, related health services and general goods. — Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, "The Meaninglessness of the Stock Market Index in a Digital World," 20 June 2018 The internal documents show that care at the VA’s 133 nursing homes scored worse on average than private sector homes on key quality indicators, including rates of anti-psychotic drug prescription and residents’ deterioration. — USA TODAY, "Lawmakers demand secret VA nursing home data be released after USA TODAY, Boston Globe report," 19 June 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.

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First Known Use of prescription

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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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Last Updated

24 Mar 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
How to pronounce prescription (audio)

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 How to pronounce prescription (audio) \

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 How to pronounce prescription (audio) \

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 How to pronounce prescription (audio) \

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on prescription

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with prescription

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prescription

Spanish Central: Translation of prescription

Nglish: Translation of prescription for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of prescription for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prescription

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