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alternative medicine
noun
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (such as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) not included in the traditional medical curricula of the U.S. and Britain
Examples of alternative medicine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, due to its possible risks, many people prefer or need to use alternative medicine or supplements.1
Black cohosh, dong quai, and red clover are some supplements that might be helpful during menopause, but data on their effectiveness is lacking.
—
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024
Designed as a countermeasure against poachers who illegally harvest rhino horns for alternative medicine and luxury items, this project promises to deter smuggling and save countless rhinos.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 June 2024
All these conspiracy theories and so on and all these alternative medicines.
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Big Think, 24 June 2024
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the human brain in response to darkness, helps with sleep patterns and the body’s 24-hour internal clock, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a federal agency that oversees research on alternative medicine.
—
Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 May 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alternative medicine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative medicine was
in 1972
Dictionary Entries Near alternative medicine
Cite this Entry
“Alternative medicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20medicine. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
alternative medicine
noun
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as herbal medicine) involving approaches not customarily taught or practiced in the U.S.
Medical Definition
alternative medicine
noun
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as homeopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, Ayurveda, or faith healing) that are not included in the traditional curricula taught in medical schools of the United States and Britain
More from Merriam-Webster on alternative medicine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative medicine
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