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
  • AFPs have defended their practices as both legal and safe and say their businesses are an antidote to high prescription drug prices.
    — Melissa Lee,Paige Tortorelli,Scott Zamost, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
  • On stocks two boxes of long-acting insulin pens from California’s new prescription drug label, CalRx, emblazoned with the state’s iconic grizzly bear.
    — Angela Hart — KFF Health News, STAT, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of prescription drug
Noun
  • The most common problem, though, appeared to be trouble getting prescriptions filled.
    — Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Traditional narrow-band UVB devices used in dermatology clinics for psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo operate at different wavelengths and doses and remain prescription-only.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of prescription
Noun
  • The gin is produced using the traditional discontinuous, indirect steam distillation method on a base of Italian grain alcohol, allowing each botanical to be infused gradually and with precision.
    — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a print for every maximalist, including a striking pink-and-green botanical, a chic black-and-white leaf motif, and even a whimsical tropical scene featuring a tiger and butterfly.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
Definition of botanical
Noun
  • Our linen closet has long doubled as a medicine station — stocked with bronchodilators, pinworm pills, antiviral medication, pain relief patches, pulse oximeters and nebulizers, vials of Prednisone, even EpiPen injectors.
    — Allan Ripp, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In Iran, the rate of inflation for food has soared by nearly 130% over the past 12 months, and people are having to buy food and medicine in installments, according to reports from Iranian media.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of medicine
Noun
  • Ecuador is considered to be a logistical hub for drug trafficking, where drugs are stockpiled, stored and distributed via Central American routes mainly to the United States, though narcotics are also shipped to Europe.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Packages of drugs are often packaged with other distinct designs.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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