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medicine definition

medi·cine (med′ə sən; Brit med′sən, -sin)

noun

  1. the science and art of diagnosing, treating, curing, and preventing disease, relieving pain, and improving and preserving health
  2. the branch of this science and art that makes use of drugs, diet, etc., as distinguished esp. from surgery and obstetrics
    1. any drug or other substance used in treating disease, healing, or relieving pain
    2. Obsolete a drug or other substance, as a poison, love potion, etc., used for other purposes
  4. ☆ among North American Indian peoples
    1. any object, spell, rite, etc. supposed to have natural or supernatural powers as a remedy, preventive, protection, etc.
    2. magical power

Etymology: OFr < L medicina < medicus: see medical

transitive verb medicined -·cined, medicining -·cin·ing

to give medicine to; treat medicinally
medicine Idioms

take one's medicine

☆
to endure just punishment or accept the results of one's action

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