Definition

The study of natural drugs and medicinal plants, focusing on their properties and uses in medicine.

Example

Pharmacognosy is essential for discovering new medicines from natural sources.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of pharmacognosy?

No, what is that about?

It's the study of medicinal substances from plants and herbs.

That sounds really interesting! I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pharmacognosy → It is formed from "pharmakon" (Greek, meaning drug or medicine) and "gnosis" (Greek, meaning knowledge). The word refers to the knowledge of drugs and their origins, particularly from natural sources.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pharmakon' as relating to drugs and 'gnosis' as knowledge — this helps you remember that pharmacognosy is the study of the knowledge of drugs.

Visually Confused Words