Definition

A substance that does not have an active effect but is used to help deliver a drug or medication.

Example

The pharmacist explained that the excipient in the tablet helps the active ingredients work effectively.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an excipient in medications?

Yeah, I think it's something that helps deliver the actual drug, right?

Exactly! It’s usually an inert substance used as a filler.

That makes sense; I never realized how important they are for dosage.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Excipient → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "cipere" (meaning to take or receive). The word refers to a substance that takes or receives other ingredients in a formulation, particularly in pharmaceuticals.

Memory Tip

Think of a substance that 'takes' ('cipere') something 'out of' ('ex-') — that's why excipient refers to a substance that carries other ingredients.

Visually Confused Words