1640s (pharmaceutic in the same sense is from 1540s), from Late Latin pharmaceuticus of drugs, from Greek pharmakeutikos, from pharmakeus preparer of drugs, poisoner (see pharmacy). Related: Pharmaceuticals; pharmaceutically.
White Tongue: A white coating on your tongue could mean that you are dehydrated. It can also be caused by smoking or drinking alcohol. A white coating can also be a sign of thrush, which is an infection of the mouth with the yeast Candida albicans.
On a basic level, your tongue looks white because the papillae (fleshy raised portions of tissue lining your tongue) have become swollen for some reason. Since they are more raised, the papillae can trap tiny particles of food, dead cells from within your mouth, or bacteria between them, creating a paler hue.