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.
A Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, Dentist, answered. A normal tongue is pink, textured, and slightly moist. When you stick out your tongue, if you see a white coating -- that is dead bacteria that create an oxygen free zone underneath where the bad breath causing bacteria can thrive. Under this white coating, within the deep papillae of the tongue, the volatile sulfa compounds, which create the offensive odor, are produced.