Origins of the word Pharmaceutical

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Word study: pharmaceutical and pharmacy

The word “pharmaceutical” derives from the Greek, φαρμακεία, φάρμακον [pharmakeia /far·mak·i·ah/]. It means poison.
The word “pharmacy” also derives from the Greek, φαρμακείο, φαρμακευτική [pharmakön /far·ma·kon/] It means to practise sorcery or witchcraft.

Word Origin and History for pharmacy

late14c.,"amedicine,"fromOldFrenchfarmacie"apurgative"(13c.),fromMedievalLatinpharmacia, fromGreekpharmakeia"useofdrugs,medicines,potions,orspells;poisoning,witchcraft;remedy,cure,"frompharmakeus(fem.pharmakis) "preparerofdrugs,poisoner,sorcorer"frompharmakon"drug,poison,philter,charm,spell,enchantment."Meaning"useoradministrationofdrugs"isattestedfromc.1400;thatof"place where drugsarepreparedanddispensed"isfirstrecorded1833.Theph-wasrestored16c.inFrench,17c.inEnglish(see-ph- ).

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pharmacy

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