Origin: Greek suffix -ology
Pharmacology has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the science or study of drugs: their preparation and properties and uses and effects
"Maria decided to major in pharmacology because she wanted to understand how different drugs are prepared, what their chemical properties are, and how they affect the human body."
The science of drugs including their origin, composition, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, and toxicology.
"The university offers a specialized course in pharmacology that covers everything from the chemical origins of medications to their potential side effects."
In plain English: Pharmacology is the study of how medicines work inside your body and what effects they have on you.
"Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with living organisms to treat diseases."
Usage: Pharmacology is the scientific study of how medications work in the body, covering everything from drug origins to side effects. Use this term when referring to the medical field itself rather than simply taking a medication or discussing specific drugs.
The word pharmacology comes from combining Greek roots meaning "drug" and "the study of." It entered English to describe the scientific field dedicated to understanding how medicines work.