1. medicinal drugs or substances prepared and used to treat, cure, or prevent disease
Usage: typically used in plural form; can refer to the drugs themselves or the industry that produces them

Examples

• The hospital stocks a wide variety of pharmaceuticals for patient care.
• New pharmaceuticals are developed through years of research and testing.
• The pharmaceutical industry invests billions in developing new pharmaceuticals each year.
• Doctors prescribe pharmaceuticals to help manage chronic conditions.
• Patients should always follow the instructions when taking pharmaceuticals.
• The company specializes in manufacturing generic pharmaceuticals.
• Regulatory agencies approve pharmaceuticals before they can be sold to the public.