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 statuteb : 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 medicineb : a prescribed medicinec : something (such as a recommendation) resembling a doctor's prescription prescriptions for economic recovery
5a : ancient or long continued customb : a claim founded upon ancient custom or long continued use
6 : something prescribed as a rule
People Are Reading
Examples of prescription in a Sentence
The drug is only sold with a prescription.
I have to pick up my prescription.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
PRESCRIPTION Defined for English Language Learners
prescription
playDefinition 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
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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
playLegal 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 Editor's 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 Editor's 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
Learn More about prescription
-
See 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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up prescription? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!