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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
Apple cider vinegar could be an acceptable complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve the quality of life for patients with varicose veins.3
Antifungal Properties
Scientific research supporting claims that apple cider vinegar contains antifungal properties remains lacking.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 24 May 2024
As psychedelics show promise as treatments for depression, trauma and addiction, they are increasingly being offered at retreats that blend spirituality with alternative medicine by people who assert that their dispensing of such compounds is protected under religious freedom laws.
—Ernesto Londoño Meridith Kohut, New York Times, 12 May 2024
Her commitment to alternative medicines could be likened to a religion — as both a core belief and part of her identity.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024
Some parents say their children are given other alternative medicines to help with their asthma that don't work as effectively.
—USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024
Jeanne was visibly upset, and went so far as to call the alternative medicine doctor in front of Roy to take the man to task for his actions.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024
Crow’s report points to other recent research that estimates the complementary and alternative medicine market in the U.S. could be worth $411.4 billion by 2030.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2024
Kress, who previously worked in the medical field, joined the dispensary 2 1/2 years ago because of his interest in alternative medicine.
—Brad Branan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024
Leary, who has a doctorate in chiropractic and alternative medicine, would set up ice baths for his private practice clients, and eventually in 2019, set up a breathwork ice bath class at a wellness retreat in Costa Rica—to aid the group’s recovery.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024
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 16 Jun. 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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