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 Neuroscientist Janna Moen, PhD, never expected her doctoral research on nicotinic receptor pharmacology to intersect so closely with her health. Asmae Fahmy, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024 For instance, if a nursing student struggles with pharmacology, AI can provide additional focused content, practice exams and targeted review sessions. Ashok Manoharan, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 What does seem clear at this point is that the risks of aspirin for cancer prevention increase with age, says Lenard Lichtenberger, PhD, a professor emeritus of integrative biology and pharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Aug. 2024 For example, instead of creating entirely new courses, cost stewardship and counseling topics can be introduced into existing courses in pharmacology, clinical decision-making, or ethics. Henry Bair, STAT, 31 July 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 1 Oct. 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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