succedaneum

[ suhk-si-dey-nee-uhm ]

noun

, plural suc·ce·da·ne·a [suhk-si-, dey, -nee-, uh].

1. a substitute.

succedaneum

/ ˌsʌksɪˈdeɪnɪəm /

noun

1. obsolete.
   something that is used as a substitute, esp any medical drug or agent that may be taken or prescribed in place of another

Derived Forms

• ˌsucceˈdaneous, adjective

Other Words From

• succe·dane·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of succedaneum¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from New Latin succēdāneum, noun use of neuter singular of Latin succēdāneus “substituted,” equivalent to suc- suc- + cēd(ere) “to come, go” ( cede ) + -āneus composite adjective suffix, equivalent to -ān(us) -an + -eus -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of succedaneum¹

C17: from Latin succēdāneus following after, from succēdere to succeed

Example Sentences

What shall I say to thy internal spirit,—thy opium,—thy salt-petre,——thy greasy unctions,—thy daily purges,—thy nightly clysters, and succedaneums?

From Project Gutenberg

Are any medicines to be given as succedanea to the specific remedy for the purpose of rendering its action more sure or prompt?

From Project Gutenberg

Passiflora is in its place as a succedaneum for Morphia or other sedatives.

From Project Gutenberg

While 'succedaneum', meaning something used as a substitute also no longer trips off the modern tongue.

From The Guardian

Give us rather any succedaneum that will move us, will delight us.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backup
• replacement
• stand-in
• surrogate