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patent medicine

noun

Definition of patent medicinenext
as in prescription drug

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of patent medicine Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, the soft drink was initially sold at pharmacies as a patent medicine. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025 His point was that the pills — a patent medicine used as a laxative — and the other three would all reliably deliver for the poor folks of the Mountain State. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Feb. 2025 Judy Shelton got a taste of patent medicine of this sort when she was mobbed out of a Federal Reserve governorship. — Brian Domitrovic, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 By the end of the century, lithia water (water with a trace amount of lithium) was marketed as a patent medicine. — Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for patent medicine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patent medicine
  1. prescription drug
  2. prescription
  3. botanical
  4. medicine
  5. drug
Noun
  • In 69% of prescription drug labels, reporters found a generic drug manufacturer’s DUNS number and were able to directly connect it to a specific facility.
    — Naisha Roy, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Golden State ranked third in the United States for prescription drug coverage, and fifth nationally for senior healthcare costs.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of prescription drug
Noun
  • Her husband hurriedly shut the door and begged her to see a doctor for a tranquilizer prescription.
    — Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Every day, Hy-Vee pharmacy manager Erin Jensen dispenses prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs, the weight-loss medications that have more than tripled in popularity in the last two years in the United States.
    — Israel Schuman, Des Moines Register, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of prescription
Noun
  • Gingham, plaids, and checks are geometrically simple and can function like a neutral next to a busy botanical.
    — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2026
  • One of the most common varieties of this picturesque botanical, English ivy (Hedera helix), might be harming your tree.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of botanical
Noun
  • And filmmaking, unlike law or medicine, issues no license at the end of the program and has no job guarantees.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Artificial tears, saliva substitutes, and prescription medicines can help manage dry eyes and dry mouth.
    — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of medicine
Noun
  • The men entered the home with guns, found no drugs and fatally shot the three residents, who lived just across the street from Norman, the records show.
    — MICHAEL GRACZYK, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Leigh, Beck was told, was a drug addict who had been cheating on him behind his back.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of drug

Browse Nearby Words

patently
patent medicine
patent medicines
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Cite this Entry

“Patent medicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patent%20medicine. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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