apothecaries' measure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “apothecaries' measure” mean?
A historical system of weights and liquid capacities used by pharmacists and physicians, primarily for compounding medicinal formulas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical system of weights and liquid capacities used by pharmacists and physicians, primarily for compounding medicinal formulas.
A specialized, obsolete measurement system used in pharmacy, distinct from avoirdupois and troy systems, involving units like grains, scruples, drams, ounces, and minims for volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions have largely abandoned it. The UK used it under the imperial system; the US used a slightly different version before adopting the metric system. The units (e.g., grain, minim) were standardized differently.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of antiquity, precision, and pre-modern medicine in both contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both the UK and US. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical British texts or museums due to the longer history of the imperial system.
Grammar
How to Use “apothecaries' measure” in a Sentence
The [noun] was measured in apothecaries' measure.They used apothecaries' measure for [compound/potion].Conversion from apothecaries' measure to [metric/avoirdupois] is complex.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apothecaries' measure” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The apothecaries'-measure weights were kept in a velvet-lined case.
- It was an apothecaries'-measure prescription.
American English
- The apothecaries'-measure system was formally abolished.
- He owned an apothecaries'-measure set.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business. Relevant only in the context of historical commerce in pharmaceuticals.
Academic
Used in history of science, medicine, and metrology courses. Appears in footnotes of edited historical medical texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. May appear as trivia or in historical novels.
Technical
Used in very narrow historical or legal metrology contexts, or by museum curators and antique instrument collectors.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apothecaries' measure”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apothecaries' measure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apothecaries' measure”
- Misspelling as 'apothecary's measure' (singular possessive).
- Confusing it with the 'troy weight' system used for precious metals, which shares the grain unit.
- Using it as a current, active term in a modern pharmacy context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is entirely obsolete for practical purposes. It was officially replaced by the metric system in pharmacy during the 19th and 20th centuries. It survives only in historical study, antique collections, and some very old legal definitions.
The grain (abbr. 'gr'), which is the same as in the troy system. 20 grains = 1 scruple, 3 scruples = 1 dram, 8 drams = 1 apothecaries' ounce (480 grains).
Apothecaries' measure was for small, precise medicinal weights and volumes. Avoirdupois is the common system for general weight (pounds and ounces for people, produce, etc.). An apothecaries' ounce (480 grains) is heavier than an avoirdupois ounce (437.5 grains).
It is a plural possessive. The system belonged to the class of professionals known as apothecaries (plural). Therefore, it is 'apothecaries' measure' (the measure of the apothecaries), similar to 'teachers' lounge'.
A historical system of weights and liquid capacities used by pharmacists and physicians, primarily for compounding medicinal formulas.
Apothecaries' measure is usually historical, technical, academic in register.
Apothecaries' measure: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɒθɪkəriz ˈmɛʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɑːθəˌkeriz ˈmɛʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not by apothecaries' measure (i.e., not done with precision or care)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an OLD APOTHECARY (pharmacist) carefully MEASURING herbs with tiny brass weights and a delicate glass minim measure.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS ARCHAIC MEASUREMENT (suggesting a bygone, meticulous standard). HISTORY IS A MEASURING SYSTEM.
Practice
Quiz
In which modern field is 'apothecaries' measure' MOST likely to be referenced?