curative
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
- curatively adverb
- curativeness noun
- noncurative adjective
- noncuratively adverb
- noncurativeness noun
- subcurative noun
Etymology
Origin of curative
1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French curatif < Medieval Latin cūrātīvus, equivalent to Late Latin cūrāt ( us ) (past participle of curāre to care for, attend to; see cure); see -ive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In aplastic anemia, where the marrow stops making enough blood cells, and in inherited blood disorders such as sickle-cell disease, stem-cell transplantation has emerged as a curative therapy as the procedure has become safer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
But the Leopold clan sees a new empire of wonder-drug riches by harvesting its curative power, including the unicorn’s purple, iridescent blood and the mysterious properties of its occasionally glowing horn.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025
So when my oncologist used the words "curative intent" in a meeting to discuss treatment, I felt a huge weight lift off my chest.
From BBC • Sep. 14, 2024
Treatments are available for only a handful of hereditary diseases, and curative therapies are even more rare.
From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2024
The curative program is never really underway until this happens.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.