C1adjectiveformalhealthbusiness
US/ˌfɑːr.məˈsuː.tɪ.kəl/
UK/ˌfɑː.məˈsjuː.tɪ.kəl/
relating to the making and selling of medicines
In context
She works for a large pharmaceutical company in Boston.
The pharmaceutical industry spends billions of dollars on research every year.
New pharmaceutical products must pass strict safety tests before sale.
Words that go with pharmaceutical
adjective + noun
- pharmaceutical companyThe pharmaceutical company announced a new vaccine.
- pharmaceutical industryThe pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated.
- pharmaceutical drugSome pharmaceutical drugs need a prescription.
- pharmaceutical productsThey export pharmaceutical products to Asia.
- pharmaceutical researchPharmaceutical research can take over ten years.
- pharmaceutical giantThe pharmaceutical giant bought a smaller rival.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the pharmacy companyCorrect: the pharmaceutical company