Definition

A book that explains how to prepare and use medicines, often serving as a guide for pharmacists.

Example

The pharmacist referred to the dispensatory to find the correct dosage for the medication.

Conversation

Have you ever looked into a dispensatory for herbal remedies?

No, I haven't. What is it exactly?

It's basically a book that describes the preparation and uses of different medicines.

That sounds really interesting! I might check one out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dispensatory is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "pensare" (meaning to weigh or consider). The term originally referred to a place or system where substances are weighed out or distributed, particularly in the context of medicine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'weighing out' ('pensare') substances 'apart' ('dis-') — that's why dispensatory refers to a place where medicines are prepared and distributed.

Visually Confused Words