nostrum

[ˈnɑːstrəm]

nostrum Definition

• 1. a medicine or remedy that is not scientifically proven or effective, often sold by someone unqualified to do so
• 2. a pet scheme or favorite remedy, especially one for bringing about social or political reform

Using nostrum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nostrum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He was selling a nostrum that he claimed could cure all diseases.

• Example

  The politician's latest nostrum for fixing the economy was met with skepticism.

• Example

  The company's new weight loss nostrum has no scientific backing.

nostrum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nostrum

• panacea
• elixir
• quack remedy
• snake oil
• cure-all

Phrases with nostrum

• patent nostrum

  a medicine or remedy that is protected by a patent and marketed as a cure-all

  Example

  The company's patent nostrum for hair growth has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness.

• political nostrum

  a proposed solution to a political problem that is unlikely to be effective or practical

  Example

  The candidate's promise to eliminate all taxes was seen as a political nostrum by many voters.

• quack nostrum

  a medicine or remedy that is promoted by a quack or charlatan

  Example

  The salesman's quack nostrum for cancer treatment was exposed as a fraud by medical experts.

Origins of nostrum

from Latin 'noster', meaning 'our'

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Summary: nostrum in Brief

The term 'nostrum' [ˈnɑːstrəm] refers to a medicine or remedy that is not scientifically proven or effective, often sold by someone unqualified to do so. It can also refer to a pet scheme or favorite remedy, especially one for bringing about social or political reform. Examples include 'He was selling a nostrum that he claimed could cure all diseases.' and 'The politician's latest nostrum for fixing the economy was met with skepticism.' Synonyms include 'quack remedy,' 'snake oil,' and 'panacea.'