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noun

apothecary

uh-PO-thuh-kuh-ree
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Apothecary (noun) means Historically, a person who prepared and sold medicines; an old-fashioned term for a pharmacist. Example: “The village apothecary mixed remedies from dried herbs.”

noun
1
Historically, a person who prepared and sold medicines; an old-fashioned term for a pharmacist.
"The village apothecary mixed remedies from dried herbs."
"The museum recreated a Victorian apothecary's shop."

How to use apothecary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old term for a pharmacist or their shop, especially before modern pharmacies existed.

When to use it

Now mostly historical or used for flavor, e.g., in fantasy settings or boutique shop names.

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Word forms

Plural
apothecaries
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The village _____ mixed remedies from dried herbs.

Etymology

From Greek apotheke, "a storehouse," via Latin apotheca and Old French apotecaire — literally, someone who runs a place where things are stored.

Origin: Latin

chemist pharmacist druggist pill pusher pill roller

Related words

Rhymes for apothecary

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Frequently asked questions

What does “apothecary” mean?
The word “apothecary” means historically, a person who prepared and sold medicines; an old-fashioned term for a pharmacist. In plain terms, an old term for a pharmacist or their shop, especially before modern pharmacies existed.
How do you pronounce “apothecary”?
“Apothecary” is pronounced uh-PO-thuh-kuh-ree (/əˈpɑθəˌkɛəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “apothecary” in a sentence?
Here is “apothecary” used in a sentence: “The village apothecary mixed remedies from dried herbs.”
What part of speech is “apothecary”?
“Apothecary” is a noun.
Where does the word “apothecary” come from?
The word “apothecary” comes from Latin. From Greek apotheke, "a storehouse," via Latin apotheca and Old French apotecaire — literally, someone who runs a place where things are stored.

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