PCP

Meanings

1. 1abbreviationuncountableslang

   An illegal drug that causes hallucinations and can make users feel detached from reality and sometimes violent.

   Grammar: Used like a substance noun; no plural. Often appears in phrases like 'use PCP' or 'on PCP'.

   Patterns

   • use PCP
   • be on PCP
   • PCP abuse

   Police said the driver was under the influence of PCP.

   PCP can cause severe anxiety and unpredictable behavior.

2. 2abbreviationuncountablemedical

   A serious lung infection caused by a fungus, often affecting people with weakened immune systems.

   Grammar: Used in medical contexts. Usually written in full as 'Pneumocystis pneumonia' in formal writing.

   Patterns

   • contract PCP
   • treat PCP
   • PCP pneumonia

   Patients with HIV are at higher risk of developing PCP.

   The doctor prescribed antibiotics to prevent PCP.

3. 3abbreviationcountableAmericanmedical

   Primary care physician: a doctor who provides general medical care and is usually the first person you see for health problems.

   Grammar: Used mainly in American English. Can be preceded by 'a' or 'the'.

   Patterns

   • see a PCP
   • your PCP
   • PCP referral

   You should contact your PCP before seeing a specialist.

   My PCP gave me a referral to a dermatologist.

Common combinations

PCP use

PCP use has declined in recent years.

PCP overdose

He was rushed to the hospital after a PCP overdose.

PCP pneumonia

PCP pneumonia is a common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients.

primary care physician (PCP)

Ask your primary care physician (PCP) for a check-up.

Synonyms and how they differ

angel dust

A slang term for the drug PCP; it is informal and often used in news reports.

phencyclidine

The full chemical name for PCP; used in scientific or legal contexts.

Commonly confused: PCP or PCP?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “PCP”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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