Medicine in Irish (Míochaine): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for medicine?

The Irish for medicine is míochaine (pronounced “MEE-uh-khin-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean materia medica.

Q: Does míochaine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Míochaine can mean medicine or materia medica, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “medicine” in Irish

Irish:: míochaine
English:: medicine, materia medica
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “MEE-uh-khin-yuh” /ˈmʲiːəxənʲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: míochaine, na míochaine (e.g. staidéar na míochaine, the study of medicine)

What does “míochaine” mean?

“Míochaine” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

medicine: Medicine as a science or field of study: the knowledge and practice of treating illness.Also: medical science, study of medicine, medical studies.

1 other meaning: materia medica

2materia medica: The body of knowledge about medicinal substances and remedies, and the study of their use.Also: pharmacology, medicinal remedies, pharmacy.

Other Irish words for medicine: cógas (medicine)

“Míochaine” with the article

Here is míochaine after the article (an t-alt).

an mhíochaine

the medicine

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Míochaine” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using míochaine, the Irish word for medicine.

Is ábhar tábhachtach í an mhíochaine do dhochtúirí.

Medicine is an important subject for doctors.

Bhí suim mhór aici sa mhíochaine.

She had a great interest in medicine.

Rinne sé staidéar ar an míochaine san ollscoil.

He studied medicine at university.

Tá eolas na míochaine ag an gcógaiseoir.

The pharmacist has a knowledge of medicine.

Scríobh an t-ollamh leabhar faoin míochaine.

The professor wrote a book on medicine.

Baineann an mhíochaine le leigheasanna agus le drugaí.

Materia medica deals with remedies and drugs.

Bhí léachtaí míochaine againn gach Máirt.

We had medicine lectures every Tuesday.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Medicine in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for medicine?

The Irish for medicine is míochaine (pronounced “MEE-uh-khin-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean materia medica.

How do you pronounce míochaine in Irish?

Míochaine is said like “MEE-uh-khin-yuh” (IPA /ˈmʲiːəxənʲə/).

Does míochaine have a plural?

No plural form is given for míochaine in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does míochaine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Míochaine can mean medicine or materia medica, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does míochaine change to mhíochaine?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhíochaine. After ár (our) it stays ár míochaine, because m does not take eclipsis.

Is 'míochaine' the word for a medicine I take?

No, a dose of medicine you take is 'cógas' or 'leigheas'. 'Míochaine' refers to medicine as a science or to materia medica, and 'leigheas' is also widely used for the science of medicine.

Medicine in Irish (Míochaine): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage