In medical terminology, what does the abbreviation sig represent?

In medical terminology, the abbreviation "sig" is derived from the Latin term "signa," which means "to write" or "to indicate." It is commonly used on prescriptions to provide directions for how the medication should be taken or administered. This makes "label" the most accurate choice, as it refers to the instructions accompanying the medication that inform the patient on usage, dosage, and other essential information.

While "signature," "status indicator gauge," and "signal" are terms that might appear in various contexts, they do not relate to the specific meaning of "sig" in the context of prescription medication and medical instructions. Understanding that "sig" denotes the part of a prescription that guides the patient in medication administration is crucial for medication aides and anyone handling medication orders.