pharmacology

[ fahr-muh-kol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the science dealing with the preparation, uses, and especially the effects of drugs.

pharmacology

/ ˌfɑːməkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌfɑːməˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the science of drugs, including their characteristics and uses

pharmacology

/ fär′mə-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of drugs and their effects, especially in the treatment of disease.

Derived Forms

• ˌpharmaˈcologist, noun
• pharmacological, adjective
• ˌpharmacoˈlogically, adverb

Other Words From

• phar·ma·co·log·i·cal [fahr-m, uh, -k, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], phar·ma·co·log·ic adjective
• phar·ma·col·o·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharmacology¹

From the New Latin word pharmacologia, dating back to 1715–25; pharmaco-, -logy

Example Sentences

"Similar to psychotherapy, pharmacology, and other therapeutic tools it's important that we learn to best implement and support people when engaging with these powerful practices."

From Science Daily

But Caroline Copeland, a senior lecturer in pharmacology and toxicology at King's College London, says the drugs are so strong, it is difficult to measure out a safe dose.

From BBC

Ph.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Center and professor of psychiatry, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, genetic medicine and pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

From Science Daily

Preclinical studies soon launched in the Olive lab at Columbia, led by Urszula Wasko, a PhD student in the molecular pharmacology graduate program.

From Science Daily

“This is an international problem that is affecting our world and its future,” said Andrea Gore, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Texas, Austin.

From Salon