Pronunciation: [pˈɪluːl] (IPA) 
The word "pilule" is spelled with the IPA transcription /pɪljuːl/. It is commonly used in the medical field to refer to a small pill or tablet used for medication. Note that the first syllable is pronounced as "pil" with a short "i" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced as "yool" with a long "u" sound. The final "e" in the word is often silent, making the pronunciation sound like "pil-yool".
A pilule is a noun that refers to a small, round, or oval-shaped medicinal tablet or pill that is generally coated, making it easier to swallow. Derived from the Latin word "pilula," meaning "little ball," the term is widely used in pharmaceutical terminology.
Pilules are commonly used for administering various types of medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, and prescription drugs. They are designed to deliver a precise dosage of a specific substance in a compact form. The tablet's outer coating is typically made from a substance that dissolves easily, aiding in the tablet's breakdown and facilitating absorption in the body.
The compact size and smooth shape of pilules make them highly convenient for oral administration, enabling patients to easily ingest the medication without discomfort or difficulty. Additionally, their standardized dosages, indicated by markings on the surface, ensure accuracy in the delivery of medications.
Furthermore, pilules are often manufactured in different colors, depending on the specific drug or purpose. This color-coding allows easy identification and differentiation between various medications, minimizing the risk of confusion or accidental misuse.
Overall, due to their small size, shape, and ease of ingestion, pilules have become an integral part of modern pharmaceutical practices, serving as a popular and effective method of delivering medications for a wide range of health conditions.
A small pill, pillet, pellet.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pilule" has its origins in the Latin term "pilula", which means "a small ball" or "a pill". This Latin word eventually made its way into French as "pilule", with the same meaning. The term "pilule" has been used to refer to a small medicinal pill since the late 17th century and has been adopted into various other languages in a similar form.
