medicine

Everyday

1. A pill, liquid or cream that a doctor or chemist gives to help you get better when ill. tree →
2. The science and work of doctors: studying medicine. tree →
3. Something that makes you feel better: «Laughter is the best medicine». tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety: only take medicine from a trusted adult, in the right dose; never take someone else's medicine; medicine is not candy even if it tastes sweet; keep it locked away from small children; read the label. If a child swallows medicine by mistake, tell an adult at once (poison helpline). In science: medicine fights illness; vaccines are a kind of medicine. Phrases: take medicine, cough medicine, a dose of medicine, medicine cabinet, study medicine.

Examples

• Mum gave me some cough medicine. tree →
• Only take medicine from a grown-up you trust. tree →
• Never take medicine that belongs to someone else. tree →
• Keep medicines out of reach of little children. tree →
• The medicine tastes like strawberries, but it is not a sweet. tree →
• My aunt studied medicine and became a doctor. tree →
• Take the medicine twice a day after food. tree →
• Laughter is the best medicine. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable (some medicine), countable for kinds (different medicines). Say «MED-sin» (UK) or «MED-i-sin» (US). Myth: more medicine does not work faster — too much is dangerous. In maths: «5 ml twice a day for 3 days» = 5 × 2 × 3 = 30 ml.

In Jewish tradition

Proverbs says a merry heart is good medicine. Jeremiah uses medicine for a hurt too deep for any cure.

Interpretation. Tradition values joy and health, and it also teaches that healing comes ultimately from God.

Examples

• A merry heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Writings PRO.17.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• None deemeth of thy wound that it may be bound up; thou hast no healing medicines. (Prophets JER.30.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt; in vain dost thou use many medicines; there is no cure for thee. (Prophets JER.46.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually uncountable (some medicine), countable for kinds (different medicines). Say «MED-sin» (UK) or «MED-i-sin» (US). Myth: more medicine does not work faster — too much is dangerous. In maths: «5 ml twice a day for 3 days» = 5 × 2 × 3 = 30 ml.