SKIP TO CONTENT

materia medica

/məˌtɪriə ˌmɛdəkə/
IPA guide

Definitions of materia medica
  1. noun
    the science or study of drugs: their preparation and properties and uses and effects
    see moresee less
    types:
    pharmacokinetics
    the study of the action of drugs in the body: method and rate of excretion; duration of effect; etc.
    posology
    the pharmacological determination of appropriate doses of drugs and medicines
    psychopharmacology
    the study of drugs that affect the mind
    toxicology
    the branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature and effects and treatments of poisons
    type of:
    medical specialty, medicine
    the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘materia medica'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family