pharmacology

noun

phar·​ma·​col·​o·​gy ˌfär-mə-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce pharmacology (audio)
1
: the science of drugs including their origin, composition, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, and toxicology
2
: the properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their therapeutic value
pharmacological adjective
or less commonly pharmacologic
pharmacologically adverb
pharmacologist noun

Examples of pharmacology in a Sentence

We don't have a complete understanding of the new drug's pharmacology yet.
Recent Examples on the Web The complexities involved in cannabinoid pharmacology pose challenges for researchers and developers. Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 In addition to the foundational science underlying their research, scientists like Dr. Galbraith, working in industrial R&D, have to understand the clinical pharmacology. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 Duloxetine is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, told Health. Korin Miller, Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Still, science and pharmacology pervaded everything. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pharmacology 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pharmacology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pharmacology was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near pharmacology

Cite this Entry

“Pharmacology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pharmacology. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pharmacology

noun
phar·​ma·​col·​o·​gy ˌfär-mə-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce pharmacology (audio)
1
: the study of drugs, their composition, effects, and use in medicine
2
: the properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their medical value
pharmacological adjective
also pharmacologic
pharmacologically adverb

Medical Definition

pharmacology

noun
phar·​ma·​col·​o·​gy ˌfär-mə-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce pharmacology (audio)
plural pharmacologies
1
: the science of drugs including their origin, composition, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, and toxicology
2
: the properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their therapeutic value
pharmacological adjective
also pharmacologic
pharmacologically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pharmacology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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