dispenses

Dispense is the act of distributing something from a larger supply to recipients in a measured or regulated way. The term appears in several domains, notably pharmacy, vending and dispensing devices, manufacturing, and everyday language. The verb form is dispense; the third-person singular present is dispenses. The noun dispense is uncommon but can refer to a preparation or device that dispenses.

In pharmacy, dispensing is the process by which a pharmacist or authorized professional provides medications to patients in accordance with a prescription. It includes interpretation of the prescription, verification of safety and interactions, selection and packaging of the correct strength and form, labeling, and patient counseling. Regulatory standards and quality controls are central to ensure accuracy and safety; automation and barcoding are increasingly common.

In vending, retail, and devices, a dispenser is a device that releases products, coins, tickets, or other items in measured amounts. Examples include coin-operated machines, liquid soap or sanitizer dispensers, and automated medication-dispensing cabinets in clinics. These systems aim to improve efficiency, inventory control, and user convenience.

In manufacturing and the laboratory, dispensing systems automate the controlled deposition of liquids, powders, or pastes. Precision is critical, and systems may use pistons, pumps, or robotic pipettes, with calibration, cleanliness, and traceability as key requirements.

Other usage: the phrase "to dispense with" means to do away with or forgo something; this is a separate, idiomatic sense and not related to the physical act of dispensing.