First Known Use: 1602
Dictionary
nostrum
noun nos·trum \ˈnäs-trəm\
: a suggested solution for a problem that will probably not succeed
: something that is used for treating illness, pain, etc., but that is not an accepted and effective medicine
Full Definition of NOSTRUM
1
: a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without scientific proof of its effectiveness
2
: a usually questionable remedy or scheme : panacea <an audience eager to believe he had found the nostrum for all of society's ills — Warren Sloat>
See nostrum defined for English-language learners
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Origin of NOSTRUM
Latin, neuter of noster our, ours, from nos we — more at us
Related to NOSTRUM
- Synonyms
- catholicon, elixir, cure–all, panacea, theriac
Medical Dictionary
nostrum
noun nos·trum \ˈnäs-trəm\
Medical Definition of NOSTRUM
: a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without scientific proof of its effectiveness
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