Definition of Medicine
Quick Meaning of Medicine
A drug or treatment that helps you feel better when you are sick.
Detailed Definition of Medicine
A substance or treatment used to cure or prevent disease or relieve pain.
How to Pronounce Medicine
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress first syllable: MED-sin. Many learners say meh-DIS-in, reversing the stress.
Watch out: Meh-DIS-in (incorrect stress on second syllable)
Origin and Etymology of Medicine
From Latin medicina, relating to healing and the medical art.
How to Use Medicine in a Sentence
Each example shows “medicine” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The doctor prescribed medicine to treat my infection.”
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“Many people take medicine daily to manage chronic conditions.”
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“Modern medicine has greatly improved life expectancy worldwide.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Medicine
Common Synonyms for Medicine
Smart Synonyms for Medicine — When to Use Each
- drug
- chemical substance used medically or recreationally
- remedy
- natural or traditional way to treat illness
- treatment
- process of caring for patients
Common Collocations with Medicine
These phrases pair with “medicine” in everyday English:
- take medicine
- prescribe medicine
- herbal medicine
- traditional medicine
- modern medicine
Common Mistakes When Using Medicine
Even fluent speakers slip up with “medicine”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I took three medicines for my headache.
- ✓ Correct: I took three doses of medicine for my headache.
- Why: In English, 'medicine' is usually uncountable. Use 'dose' or 'type' to count individual applications.
- ✗ Wrong: Medicine is science that cures people.
- ✓ Correct: Medicine is the science of treating and curing diseases.
- Why: Medicine as a field is uncountable; avoid 'a medicine' for the discipline.
Words Confused With Medicine
- Medicine vs Medication: Both mean drugs, but medication emphasizes the act of medicating
Other Forms of Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicine
What is the meaning of "Medicine"?
A drug or treatment that helps you feel better when you are sick.
How do you pronounce "Medicine"?
The IPA is /ˈmɛdsən/. Stress first syllable: MED-sin. Many learners say meh-DIS-in, reversing the stress.
What part of speech is "Medicine"?
"Medicine" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Medicine"?
Common synonyms include drug, remedy, cure.
How do you use "Medicine" in a sentence?
For example: "The doctor prescribed medicine to treat my infection."