homeopathy

[ hoh-mee-op-uh-thee ]

noun

1. the method of treating disease by drugs, given in minute doses, that would produce in a healthy person symptoms similar to those of the disease ( allopathy ).

homeopathy

/ ˌhəʊmɪəˈpæθɪk; ˌhəʊmɪˈɒpəθɪst; ˌhəʊmɪˈɒpəθɪ; ˈhəʊmɪəˌpæθ /

noun

1. a method of treating disease by the use of small amounts of a drug that, in healthy persons, produces symptoms similar to those of the disease being treated Compare allopathy

homeopathy

/ hō′mē-ŏp′ə-thē /

1. A nontraditional system for treating and preventing disease, in which minute amounts of a substance that in large amounts causes disease symptoms are given to healthy individuals. This is thought to enhance the body's natural defenses.

homeopathy

1. A system of treating disease in which small doses of certain substances are administered; in large doses, given to a healthy person, these substances would produce the symptoms of the disease. The principles of homeopathy do not enjoy widespread acceptance in the medical community.

Derived Forms

• homeopathist, noun
• homeopathic, adjective
• ˌhomeoˈpathically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of homeopathy¹

First recorded in 1820–30; homeo- + -pathy

Example Sentences

But the line between promotion and science on the show was not always clear, and Oz has recommended homeopathy, alternative medicine and other treatments that critics have called “pseudoscience”.

From BBC

These treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.

From BBC

We await his kingly disquisitions on classical architecture, gardening and homeopathy.

From Washington Post

After leaving school at 16, he spent time modeling and worked as an assistant to the photographer Helmut Newton before shifting his focus to homeopathy and phytotherapy and finally retraining as a nose.

From New York Times

A well-established tradition of homeopathy and natural cures has meant that a certain distrust of science and medicine has long been widely accepted in Germany’s middle class.

From New York Times