prescription

noun

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

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 But this is the first birth control pill that has been approved for use without a prescription from a health care provider. Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024 It is easily obtained at pharmacies through a typical prescription process. Pam Belluck, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Striking Kroger workers encouraged customers to transfer their prescriptions to Albertsons stores. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 Since 2008, it’s been available without a prescription and is safe for kids (age 6 and up) and adults alike. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 His death was ruled accidental and attributed to a lethal mix of prescription medications including OxyContin, Vicodin, Valium, Xanax, Unisom, and Restoril. Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 Antibiotics like amoxicillin are 42% more likely to experience shortages than other prescription medications, according to Democrats on the committee. Rachel Cohrs Reprints, STAT, 22 Feb. 2024 Medical patients are required to have a special narcotics prescription for medicinal cannabis. Niklas Kouparanis, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 Think of Sempre’s offering as a good-driver discount, where compliance is rewarded; discounts increase month over month for on-time prescription pickups. Seth Joseph, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prescription.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near prescription

Cite this Entry

“Prescription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prescription

noun
pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce prescription (audio)
1
: the action of prescribing rules or directions
2
a
: a written direction or order for the preparation and use of a medicine
b
: a medicine that is prescribed
prescriptive
-ˈskrip-tiv
adjective

Medical Definition

prescription

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

Legal Definition

prescription

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

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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