| a system of weights used chiefly in compounding and dispensing drugs: 20 grains = 1 scruple (℈); 3 scruples = 1 dram (dr); 8 drams = 1 ounce); 12 ounces = 1 pound. The grain, ounce, and pound are the same as in troy weight, the grain alone being the same as in avoirdupois weight. |
| apothecaries' weight n. A system of weights used in pharmacy and based on an ounce equal to 480 grains and a pound equal to 12 ounces. It has been largely replaced by measures of the metric system. |
apothecaries' weight n.
A system of weights used in compounding prescriptions and in which an ounce equals 480 grains and a pound equals 12 ounces.
apothecaries' weight
traditional system of weight in the British Isles used for the measuring and dispensing of pharmaceutical items and based on the grain, scruple (20 grains), dram (3 scruples), ounce (8 drams), and pound (12 ounces). The apothecaries' grain is equal to the troy and avoirdupois grains and represents 15,760 part of the troy and apothecaries' pound and 17,000 part of the avoirdupois pound. One apothecaries' pound equals approximately 0.82 avoirdupois pound, 373.24 grams, and 0.37 kilogram.
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