Spanish word

medicina

Pronunciation

IPA/meðiˈθina/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmedicine

Example

Necesito medicina para el dolor.

I need medicine for the pain.

Illustration for medicina (medicine)

More examples

¿Has tomado la medicina?

Have you taken the medicine?

Core concept

A blister pack of tablets with an active-ingredient label.

Common phrases

  • aplicar medicina

    put on medicine

  • usar medicina

    use medication

  • efectos secundarios de la medicina

    side effects of the medicine

Similar words

medicamento: Treats illnesses or symptoms with a manufactured pharmaceutical intended for medical use.
pastilla: Appears as a small solid tablet or pill meant to be swallowed.
jarabe: Exists as a sweet liquid taken orally, usually a syrup for coughs or sore throats.
remedio: A product or practice for easing common aches or mild health troubles at home.

Definition in Spanish

Producto farmacéutico que contiene uno o varios principios activos destinados a tratar o aliviar síntomas o enfermedades.

Word origin

Derived from Latin medicina (from medicus 'doctor' and mederi 'to heal'), initially referring to healing and later applied to medicinal preparations.

Usage tips

  • In formal or medical contexts medicamento is commonly used as a synonym for a pharmaceutical product, while medicina remains common in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • medical sciencenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word