pre·scribe

[pri-skrahyb] verb, pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing.
verb (used with object)
1.
to lay down, in writing or otherwise, as a rule or a course of action to be followed; appoint, ordain, or enjoin.
2.
Medicine/Medical. to designate or order the use of (a medicine, remedy, treatment, etc.).
verb (used without object)
3.
to lay down rules; direct; dictate.
4.
Medicine/Medical. to designate remedies, treatment, etc., to be used.
5.
Law. to claim a right or title by virtue of long use and enjoyment; make a prescriptive claim. (usually followed by for or to ).
00:10
Prescribe is always a great word to know.
So is umbilicus. Does it mean:
the depression in the center of the surface of the abdomen indicating the point of attachment of the umbilical cord to the embryo; navel.
of or pertaining to the throat or neck.

Origin:
1425–75; late Middle English < Latin praescrībere to direct in writing, literally, to write before or above, equivalent to prae- pre- + scrībere to write; see scribe1, prescription

pre·scrib·a·ble, adjective
pre·scrib·er, noun
mis·pre·scribe, verb, mis·pre·scribed, mis·pre·scrib·ing.
non·pre·scribed, adjective
non·pre·scrib·er, noun
o·ver·pre·scribe, verb, o·ver·pre·scribed, o·ver·pre·scrib·ing.
re·pre·scribe, verb (used with object), re·pre·scribed, re·pre·scrib·ing.
self-pre·scribed, adjective
un·pre·scribed, adjective

prescribe, proscribe.


1. direct, dictate, decree.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To prescribe
Collins
World English Dictionary
prescribe (prɪˈskraɪb) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to lay down as a rule or directive
2.  law to claim or acquire (a right, title, etc) by prescription
3.  law to make or become invalid or unenforceable by lapse of time
4.  med to recommend or order the use of (a drug or other remedy)
 
[C16: from Latin praescrībere to write previously, from prae before + scrībere to write]
 
pre'scriber
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

prescribe pre·scribe (prĭ-skrīb')
v. pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing, pre·scribes
To give directions, either orally or in writing, for the preparation and administration of a remedy to be used in the treatment of a disease.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
The liberty of action you prescribe is rather a necessity for me than a
  constraint.
Or where he would prescribe drugs he knew would work and not have debilitating
  side-effects.
If diet and exercise do not help keep your blood sugar at normal or near-normal
  levels, your doctor may prescribe medication.
It's less clear that the cure they prescribe can address the heart of the
  problem.
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT