the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,
"After years of studying the pharmacy, she finally passed her licensing exam to begin practicing the profession."
a retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold
"I stopped at the pharmacy on my way home to pick up my prescription and some vitamins."
A place where prescription drugs are dispensed; a dispensary.
"After getting my new medication signed off by the doctor, I stopped at the pharmacy to pick it up before heading home."
In plain English: A pharmacy is a store where people go to buy medicine and health products after getting them prescribed by a doctor.
"I went to the pharmacy after work to pick up my prescription."
Usage: Use pharmacy to refer specifically to the physical store or building where prescription medications are prepared and sold. Do not use it interchangeably with medicine itself, which is the product dispensed within that location.
The word pharmacy entered English in the late 14th century via Middle French and Old French from Medieval Latin. It ultimately traces back to Ancient Greek pharmakeía, which originally referred to the use of drugs or charms, likely derived from a Pre-Greek root meaning "drug."