orthomolecular

[ awr-thoh-muh-lek-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. being or pertaining to the treatment of disease by increasing, decreasing, or otherwise controlling the intake of natural substances, especially vitamins. Compare megavitamin ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthomolecular¹

1965–70; ortho- + molecular, referring to “the provision of the optimum molecular environment for the mind,” according to term's originator, Linus Pauling

Example Sentences

This theory, called “orthomolecular psychiatry,” has been discredited.

From New York Times

The professors on my doctoral committee had never heard of the word orthomolecular, and all of them were certain it wasn't an accepted, traditional area of research.

From Project Gutenberg

My ambition was to establish the orthomolecular approach on the west coast.

From Project Gutenberg