- Drug
- Drug Drug, n. [F. drogue, prob. fr. D. droog; akin to E. dry;
thus orig., dry substance, hers, plants, or wares. See
{Dry}.]
1. Any animal, vegetable, or mineral substance used in the
composition of medicines.
[1913 Webster]
Whence merchants bring Their spicy drugs. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. Any commodity that lies on hand, or is not salable; an article of slow sale, or in no demand; -- used often in the phrase ``a drug on the market''. ``But sermons are mere drugs.'' --Fielding. [1913 Webster]
And virtue shall a drug become. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. any stuff used in dyeing or in chemical operations. [1913 Webster]
4. any substance intended for use in the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, or cure of disease, especially one listed in the official pharmacopoeia published by a national authority. [PJC]
5. any substance having psychological effects, such as a narcotic, stimulant, or hallucinogenic agent, especially habit-forming and addictive substances, sold or used illegally; as, a drug habit; a drug treatment program; a teenager into drugs; a drug bust; addicted to drugs; high on drugs.
Syn: illegal drug. [PJC]
They [smaller and poorer nations] have lined up to recount how drug trafficking and consumption have corrupted their struggling economies and societies and why they are hard pressed to stop it. -- Christopher S. Wren (N Y. Times, June 10, 1998, p. A5) [PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.