n. [ Gr. fa`rmakon a drug + gnw^sis a knowing. ] That branch of pharmacology which treats of unprepared medicines or simples; -- usually called pharmacognosy, and also pharmacography, and pharmacomathy. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. 1. Pharmacognosis. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The study of the distribution of, methods for finding, and properties of medically useful agents in natural sources, especially plants. [ PJC ]