receta

Receta is a Spanish noun that can refer to an instruction set used to produce something. In everyday language it commonly means a culinary recipe—an instruction text for preparing a dish. It can also mean a medical prescription issued by a licensed professional, authorizing a patient to obtain a medication or treatment.

In the culinary sense, una receta is a structured guide that names the dish, lists ingredients with quantities, and provides step-by-step directions. A typical receta includes the number of servings (yield), estimated preparation and cooking times, and the equipment needed. Many recetas offer notes on substitutions, techniques, or regional variations, and some indicate nutritional information or serving suggestions.

In the medical sense, receta refers to a prescription that dictates which medicine or treatment to use, at what dosage and frequency, and for how long. A prescription may include the patient’s name, the prescriber’s details, the dosage form, route of administration, and precautions. Prescriptions can be handwritten or electronic, depending on the country and regulatory framework.

Cultural and practical usage vary by country. In Spanish-speaking regions, recetas are widely used in households, schools, media, and health contexts, and the word appears in digital platforms that share cooking instructions or medicines. The dual meaning of receta reflects how language encapsulates everyday practices in food and health.