Definition of pill

The word "pill" has its origin in the Latin word "pilula", which means "small ball" or "pellet". In medicine, a pill is a small, usually oval-shaped dose of medicine, typically made from a mixture of active ingredients and fillers. The term "pill" has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to medicine in this form. In the mid-15th century, the word "pill" became more commonly used in the context of medicine, particularly with the introduction of sugar-coated pills. These were sweetened tablets that could be easily taken by mouth, and the term "pill" became synonymous with this type of medication. Today, the term "pill" is widely used to refer to any small, solid dose of medicine, whether it is a sweetened tablet, a coated tablet, or a capsule containing powdered medicine.