n.
- The science of diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease and other damage to the body or mind.
- The branch of this science encompassing treatment by drugs, diet, exercise, and other nonsurgical means.
- The practice of medicine.
- An agent, such as a drug, used to treat disease or injury.
- Something that serves as a remedy or corrective: medicine for rebuilding the economy; measures that were harsh medicine.
- Shamanistic practices or beliefs, especially among Native Americans.
- Something, such as a ritual practice or sacred object, believed to control natural or supernatural powers or serve as a preventive or remedy.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin medicīna, from feminine of medicīnus, of a doctor, from medicus, physician. See medical.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
