verb, -scribed, -scrib⋅ing.| 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.). |
| 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 fol. by for or to). |

pre·scribe (prĭ-skrīb') v. pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing, pre·scribes v. tr.
[Middle English prescriben, from Latin praescrībere : prae-, pre- + scrībere, to write; see skrībh- in Indo-European roots.] pre·scrib'er n. |
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.