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The R with a stroke.
Also known as: Rx symbol, Prescription symbol
The symbol opening a prescription, conventionally read as an instruction to take.
Opens a prescription, introducing the ingredients or the medicine ordered.
Contexts: Medicine
Usually explained as an abbreviation of the Latin imperative to take, with the crossing stroke marking it as an abbreviation; an alternative derivation from the sign of Jupiter is also offered and is not established.
The derivation of the crossing stroke is disputed.
Contexts: Medicine
Retained on prescriptions long after Latin ceased to be used on them, which makes it a survival rather than an active abbreviation.
Contexts: Medicine
A capital R with a stroke crossing the tail of its leg, written at the head of the prescription before the ingredients.