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 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 Her treatments had been administered by an alternative medicine physician, based on preliminary evidence that megadoses of the vitamin might play a role in treating cancer. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 But, in recent years, amid a booming alternative medicine industry, the FDA cracked down. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Aug. 2023 But her Maryland license as a naturopathic physician, which allows the practice of alternative medicine, expired during the Burnses’ pregnancy, state records show. Amy Brittain, Washington Post, 26 Dec. 2023 Next, the group will take aim at the few advertisers who have decided to pay Trump to sell gold, alternative medicine, and Trump merchandise on his platform. David Gilbert, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2023 In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative medicine, the therapeutic potential of CBD has garnered significant attention. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2023 This type of alternative medicine might effectively reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. Colleen Stinchcombe, Health, 19 Nov. 2023

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 29 Mar. 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

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