ut dict

Meanings

1. 1adverbmedical

   As directed; used on prescriptions to tell the patient to follow the instructions given by the doctor or pharmacist.

   Grammar: Used as a fixed adverbial phrase, especially after the name of a medicine and its dose.

   Patterns

   • take something ut dict
   • use something ut dict
   • label something ut dict

   The doctor wrote 'Amoxicillin 500 mg ut dict' on the prescription form.

   Take the eye drops ut dict, which means you should follow the directions on the label exactly.

   The pharmacist explained that 'ut dict' is short for the Latin phrase 'ut dictum' and means 'as directed'.

2. 2abbreviationmedical

   A short way of writing 'as directed' in medical instructions.

   Grammar: Appears in written prescriptions and medical orders; it is not used as a spoken word.

   Patterns

   • the abbreviation ut dict
   • ut dict on a prescription

   You will often see the abbreviation 'ut dict' on hospital medication charts.

   If you don't understand 'ut dict' on your prescription, ask your pharmacist for clarification.

Common combinations

take ut dict

The label says to take the tablets ut dict, so read the instructions carefully.

use ut dict

Use the ointment ut dict and call the clinic if the rash gets worse.

ut dict on a prescription

Seeing 'ut dict' on a prescription means you should follow the directions provided.

written ut dict

The order was written ut dict, so the nurse checked the patient's chart for details.

Synonyms and how they differ

as directed

This is the plain English equivalent and is used in everyday speech, while 'ut dict' is a written medical abbreviation.

Commonly confused: ut dict or ut dictum?

Practice

Make it your own

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

Explore more words