medicine
/ˈmɛds(ə)n
/ /ˈmɛdɪsɪn /noun [mass noun]
1The science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease (in technical use often taken to exclude surgery): he made distinguished contributions to pathology and medicine the remarkable achievements of modern medicine...
- He said they planned to take on extra clinicians in respiratory medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology.
- The practice of medicine must comply with modern ethical standards.
- A few of them were practitioners of herbal medicine but most were ordinary, conventional citizens.
Synonyms
medical science, practice of medicine, healing, therapeutics, therapy, treatment, healing art
2A drug or other preparation for the treatment or prevention of disease: give her some medicine [count noun]: your doctor will be able to prescribe medicines...
- Treatments include preventative medicines and those for use in acute attacks.
- If you remain well while on the medicines, the treatment should be continued.
- In less urgent cases, treatment by medicines and vitamins may be a better option.
Synonyms
medication, medicament, remedy, cure, nostrum, patent medicine, quack remedy, panacea, cure-all, placebo, drug, prescription, dose, treatment
archaic physic
rare medicinal
3(Among North American Indians and some other peoples) a spell, charm, or fetish believed to have healing, protective, or other power: Fleur was murdering him by use of bad medicine...
- They could be bribed to give you some bad medicine if someone wanted to be rid of you.
- Every culture had its Shamans, who in turn took on the magic mantle of medicine.
Phrases
give someone a dose (or taste) of their own medicine
take one's medicine
Origin
Middle English: via Old French from Latin medicina, from medicus 'physician'.