I. ˈethə̇kəl, -thēk- adjective
or eth·ic -thik, -thēk
Etymology: Middle English etik, from Latin ethicus, from Greek ēthikos, from ēthos custom, usage, character, dwelling + -ikos -ic, -ical; akin to Latin sodalis comrade, Greek ethos custom, habit, Sanskrit svadhā self-position, own condition or place, custom, Latin sui of oneself — more at suicide
1.
a. : of or relating to the field of ethics or morality : relating to or involving questions of right and wrong
ethical principles
ethical theories
b. : dealing with or concerned with ethics
ethical tracts
modern ethical analysts
ethical literature
2. : involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval
ethical judgments
3.
a. : being in accord with approved standards of behavior or a socially or professionally accepted code : moral
ethical conduct
ethical practices
b. : conforming to professionally endorsed principles and practices
an ethical lawyer
ethical medical practice
4. of a drug : restricted to sale only on a doctor's prescription
digitalis is an ethical drug but aspirin is not
the ethical drug business
— compare over-the-counter , proprietary
Synonyms: see moral
II. noun
( -s )
: an ethical drug