Scruple (Noun)
Meaning 1
An ethical or moral principle that inhibits action.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Related Words
Meaning 2
Uneasiness about the fitness of an action.
Classification
Nouns denoting feelings and emotions.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
A unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains.
Classification
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure.
Examples
- The doctor's instructions called for one scruple of the medication to be administered twice a day.
- She carefully measured out three scruples of the powdered extract to mix into the patient's drink.
- According to the old recipe, two scruples of rose petals were required to make the fragrance last.
- In the days of apothecaries, pharmacists relied on the accuracy of the scruple as a unit of measurement.
- One scruple of quinine was all the explorer could carry in his pack, but it might just save his life from malaria.