nepenthe

ne·pen·the

noun \nə-ˈpen(t)-thē\

Definition of NEPENTHE

1

: a potion used by the ancients to induce forgetfulness of pain or sorrow

2

: something capable of causing oblivion of grief or suffering

— ne·pen·the·an \-thē-ən\ adjective

Origin of NEPENTHE

Latin nepenthes, from Greek nēpenthes, neuter of nēpenthēs banishing pain and sorrow, from nē- not + penthos grief, sorrow; akin to Greek pathos suffering — more at no, pathos

First Known Use: 1577