prescription

Everyday

1. (health) A prescription is a note from a doctor (GP) saying which medicine a patient needs, which you take to a chemist or pharmacy to get it. tree →
2. The medicine itself, given on a doctor's order, can be called a prescription. tree →
3. (formal) A prescription is a firm rule or piece of advice about what should be done. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, after seeing the GP you may pick up a prescription at the pharmacy; some medicines need a prescription and some can be bought freely. Glasses need a prescription from an optician. In safety lessons pupils learn never to take someone else's prescription medicine. Phrases: write a prescription, fill a prescription (US), on prescription, prescription glasses, repeat prescription.

Examples

• The doctor wrote me a prescription for ear drops. tree →
• Mum took the prescription to the chemist. tree →
• These tablets are only available on prescription. tree →
• Grandpa has a repeat prescription every month. tree →
• Never take medicine from someone else's prescription. tree →
• My new prescription glasses make the board clear. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb prescribe (prescribed). Trap: prescribe (a doctor orders) vs proscribe (to ban). Do not confuse with "subscription" (paying regularly for a magazine or app).