apothecaries' measure: Meaning and Definition of

apoth'ecaries' meas"ure

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. a system of units used chiefly in compounding and dispensing liquid drugs. In the U.S. 60 minims (&minim;) = 1 fluid dram (f &yogh;) 8 fluid drams = 1 fluid ounce (f &ounce;); 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint (O.); 8 pints = 1 gallon (C.) (231 cubic inches). In Great Britain 20 minims = 1 fluid scruple; 3 fluid scruples = 1 fluid dram; 8 fluid drams = 1 fluid ounce; 20 fluid ounces = 1 pint; 8 pints = 1 imperial gallon (277.42 cubic inches).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.