coated pill crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Looking for the answer to 'coated pill crossword clue'? You've come to the right place! We provide accurate solutions and helpful context to solve your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "coated pill crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
DRAGEE: A sugar-coated piece of confectionery or medication, known for its smooth, shiny finish.
TABLET: A solid medicinal preparation in the form of a small flat disk or cylinder, often coated for taste, protection, or delayed release.
More About "coated pill crossword clue"
The term "coated pill" often refers to pharmaceutical tablets or capsules that have an outer layer applied to them. This coating serves various purposes, including masking an unpleasant taste, protecting the active ingredients from degradation by stomach acid, controlling the release of the drug in the body (e.g., sustained-release or enteric-coated), or simply making the pill easier to swallow and more aesthetically pleasing.
In crosswords, clues like "coated pill" can point to specific types of coated medications. For instance, a "dragee" is a common answer, specifically referring to a pill or candy that has been sugar-coated and polished. Understanding these nuances can significantly help in solving more complex crossword puzzles involving medical or pharmaceutical terms.
When encountering such clues, consider the intended function of the coating or the common names for coated forms of medication. The number of letters required will often narrow down the possibilities between general terms like 'TABLET' and more specific ones like 'DRAGEE'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For "coated pill," think about what "coated" implies (e.g., sugar-coated, encapsulated) or different forms of "pill" (e.g., tablet, capsule, lozenge).
- Focus on Function: Does the clue hint at the coating's purpose? For instance, if it mentions "enteric," it's about protecting from stomach acid, which might lead to specific answer types.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. This is crucial for distinguishing between similar words that might fit the general description.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some pills coated?
Pills are coated for several reasons: to mask an unpleasant taste, to protect the active ingredient from stomach acid, to ensure the medicine is released at a specific point in the digestive system (e.g., enteric coating for delayed release), or to improve swallowability.
What's the main difference between a tablet and a dragee?
A tablet is a general term for a solid, compressed form of medication. A dragee specifically refers to a tablet that has been sugar-coated or polished to make it smooth, palatable, and often visually appealing. All dragees are tablets, but not all tablets are dragees.
How do crossword setters typically clue medical terms like "coated pill"?
Crossword setters often clue medical terms by their function, appearance, or specific types. For 'coated pill,' clues might refer to its taste-masking ability, its smooth surface, or a particular type of coated medication like a 'dragee' or 'enteric-coated' drug.