over-the-counter drugs — medicines that can be bought without a doctor's prescription
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: medicines that can be bought without a doctor's prescription
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər drʌɡz/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother has a cabinet full of over-the-counter drugs but still calls the doctor for a runny nose.
- Students often rely on over-the-counter drugs to survive exam periods and all-nighters.
- The pharmacy ran out of over-the-counter cold medicine faster than toilet paper during the pandemic.
over-the-counter drugs
NOUN[/ˈoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər drʌɡz/]
medicines that can be bought without a doctor's prescription
medicines that can be bought without a doctor's prescription
At the counter, encounter over-the-counter!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase originated from the literal practice in pharmacies where certain medications were sold directly from shelves or displays positioned over or beyond the counter, without requiring a doctor's prescription. This contrasted with prescription drugs kept behind the counter, accessible only through a pharmacist's dispensation.
Breakdown
over- (above, beyond) + the + counter (pharmacy sales counter) + drugs (medicinal substances). The compound describes medications available directly from pharmacy counters without a prescription barrier.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother has a cabinet full of over-the-counter drugs but still calls the doctor for a runny nose.”
“Students often rely on over-the-counter drugs to survive exam periods and all-nighters.”
“The pharmacy ran out of over-the-counter cold medicine faster than toilet paper during the pandemic.”
“Always read the label carefully when taking over-the-counter drugs to avoid overdose.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.