noun
medicine and medical treatment; various remedies
Literary or formal term for medicine and medical care collectively. Often used in set phrases like 薬石効なく (despite all medical efforts).
薬石効なく、彼は亡くなった。
Despite all medical treatment, he passed away.
noun
supper in a Zen temple; rice porridge served as supper in a Zen temple
Buddhist term. Refers to the evening meal in a Zen monastery, originally a medicinal porridge, now a light supper. Not used in everyday contexts.
禅寺では、薬石として夕方にお粥をいただく。
In a Zen temple, rice porridge is taken as the evening meal.