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v. pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing, pre·scribes v.tr. 1. To set down as a rule, law, or direction: prescribed the terms of the surrender. 2. To order the use of (a medicine or other treatment). v.intr. 1. To establish rules, laws, or directions. 2. To order a medicine or other treatment. [Middle English prescriben, from Latin praescrībere : prae-, pre- + scrībere, to write; see skrībh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pre·scriber n. |
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