'pharmacist' originates from Modern English, formed from 'pharmacy' + the agent suffix '-ist', where 'pharmacy' ultimately comes from Old French 'pharmacie' and Greek 'pharmakon', which meant 'drug'.

'pharmacist' changed through Middle English and Middle/French forms (from Greek 'pharmakon' → Latin 'pharmacia' → Old French 'pharmacie' / 'pharmacien') and eventually became the modern English word 'pharmacist'.

Initially, it meant 'a seller or preparer of medicines', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a trained professional who prepares and dispenses medicinal drugs and advises on their safe use.'