1. A semisolid substance for the introduction into the rectum, vagina, or urethra; where it dissolves for the treatment of certain medical conditions: The suppository often serves as a device for applying medicines that are to be absorbed by the body when it is inserted into the appropriate bodily orifice or opening.

Suppositories are especially useful in babies, in uncooperative patients, and in patients who easily vomit or who have certain digestive disorders.

2. Etymology: from Medieval Latin suppositorium and Late Latin suppositorius, "placed underneath or up"; from Latin suppositus, past participle of supponere, "to put" or "to place under".