Which abbreviation stands for 'without'?

• A. S
• B. sig.
• C. s.o.s
• D. stat

Answer: (A)

In medical abbreviations, the shorthand for “without” comes from the Latin sine, and is written as S (often s. or s). This makes it clear to the pharmacist or clinician to omit whatever is specified from the preparation. The other common abbreviations are for different instructions: sig. stands for signa, meaning the directions for use on the label; s.o.s stands for si opus sit, historically “if there is a need,” used for as-needed instructions; stat means immediately. So the best answer is the simple S, which signals “without.”