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medicine definition

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

noun

the science and art of diagnosing, treating, curing, and preventing disease, relieving pain, and improving and preserving health
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
☆ 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

Origin: OFr < L medicina < medicus: see medical

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

to give medicine to; treat medicinally

med·i·cine (mĕdˈĭ-sĭn)

noun

a. The science of diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease and other damage to the body or mind.
b. The branch of this science encompassing treatment by drugs, diet, exercise, and other nonsurgical means.
The practice of medicine.
An agent, such as a drug, used to treat disease or injury.
Something that serves as a remedy or corrective: medicine for rebuilding the economy; measures that were harsh medicine.
a. Shamanistic practices or beliefs, especially among Native Americans.
b. Something, such as a ritual practice or sacred object, believed to control natural or supernatural powers or serve as a preventive or remedy.

Origin: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin medicīna, from feminine of medicīnus, of a doctor, from medicus, physician; see medical .