medicine

[ˈmɛdəsɪn]

medicine Definition

• 1. a substance or preparation used in treating disease
• 2. the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease

Using medicine: Examples

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

• Example

  She takes medicine for her allergies.

• Example

  The doctor prescribed a new medicine for his patient.

• Example

  He studied medicine at Harvard University.

• Example

  Alternative medicine practices include acupuncture and herbal remedies.

medicine Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for medicine

• remedy
• cure
• treatment
• therapy
• medication

Idioms Using medicine

• take one's medicine

  accept unpleasant consequences or punishment for one's actions

  Example

  After being caught cheating, he knew he had to take his medicine and accept the failing grade.

• a bitter pill (to swallow)

  an unpleasant or painful experience that is difficult to accept

  Example

  Losing the championship game was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.

• an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

  it is better to prevent a problem from happening than to try to fix it later

  Example

  Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can help prevent many health problems. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Phrases with medicine

• patent medicine

  a medicinal preparation that is protected by a patent and available without a prescription

  Example

  Many patent medicines are marketed as cure-alls, but they may not be effective for all ailments.

• medicine chest

  a box or cabinet containing medical supplies and equipment

  Example

  The ship's medicine chest was stocked with bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers.

• medicine man

  a traditional healer or spiritual leader in some Native American cultures

  Example

  The tribe's medicine man performed a ritual to bless the hunting party before they set out.

Origins of medicine

from Latin 'medicina', meaning 'the art of healing'

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Summary: medicine in Brief

The term 'medicine' [ˈmɛdəsɪn] refers to substances or preparations used in treating disease, as well as the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Examples include taking medicine for allergies, studying medicine at university, and using alternative medicine practices like acupuncture. Idioms like 'take one's medicine' and 'a bitter pill to swallow' describe accepting unpleasant consequences or experiences, while 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' emphasizes the importance of prevention.