Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
apothecaries
noun
əˈpäTHəˌkerēz
Definition
Apothecaries were early pharmacists or druggists who prepared and sold medicines, often compounding mixtures based on herbal remedies.
Examples
- In the past, apothecaries were highly respected in their communities.
- During the Middle Ages, apothecaries played a crucial role in healthcare.
- Apothecaries often had a vast knowledge of herbs and their healing properties.
Meaning
The term refers to individuals who were responsible for the preparation and dispensation of medicinal compounds, serving as a precursor to modern-day pharmacists.
Synonyms
- pharmacists
- druggists
- chemists
