Prescription
pruh-SKRIP-shuhn
/prɪˈskrɪp.ʃən/
A written order or official recommendation specifying the corrective power of optical lenses or medication needed.
In vision care, it refers specifically to numerical measurements (diopters) required for corrective glasses or contact lenses.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'praescribere', meaning 'to write beforehand'. In ancient medicine, doctors wrote directions before mixing treatments. By the 19th century, optical practitioners adopted the term for written eyeglass formulas.
Word relationships
- order: A broader term for any directive or purchase authorization.
- dosage: Pertains strictly to medication amounts, not optical refraction measurements.
Commonly confused with
- Proscription: Proscription means a prohibition or ban, whereas prescription is an official order or recommendation.
Word family
- prescribe (verb): To issue an official order for lenses or treatment.
- prescriptive (adjective): Relating to or laying down explicit rules or prescriptions.
Collocations
- eyeglass prescription
- renew a prescription
- valid prescription
Example sentences
- "Her updated prescription required stronger lenses to correct her worsening nearsightedness." Optometry
Memory hook
PRE- (before) SCRIPT (write): Written down before you get your glasses. Written lens direction.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general non-medical advice unless used figuratively.
Fun facts
- An optical prescription includes specific values like spherical power, cylinder power, and axis orientation.
Related words
Explore more words
prescribe, prescriptive, Recommendation, specification, remedy, restriction
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