1. 1. The science of diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease and other damage to the body or mind.
   2. The branch of this science encompassing treatment by drugs, diet, exercise, and other nonsurgical means.
2. The practice of medicine.
3. An agent, such as a drug, used to treat disease or injury.
4. Something that serves as a remedy or corrective: medicine for rebuilding the economy; measures that were harsh medicine.
5. 1. Shamanistic practices or beliefs, especially among Native Americans.
   2. 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.