Dispensaries

/dɪˈspɛnsəriz/ noun

Definition

Places where medicines or medical supplies are prepared and given out; can also mean stores selling goods.

Etymology

From 'dispensary' (a place where things are dispensed), derived from Latin 'dispensare' (to distribute). The plural form '-ies' indicates multiple locations.

Kelly Says

The word 'dispensary' has a fascinating dual life: originally it meant medical pharmacies in British hospitals, but today in many U.S. states it's the official term for marijuana retail shops, showing how words migrate between very different contexts.

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