Definition of quack
: to make the characteristic cry of a duck
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Origin and Etymology of quack
alteration of queck to quack, from Middle English queken, from queke, interjection, of imitative origin
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 14th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearFirst Known Use of quack
1798
Origin and Etymology of quack
Definition of quack
1
: charlatan 2
- Religious quacks on radio and television thinking up new ways to take money from ignorant listeners and incidentally from legitimate churches.
- —Andrew A. Rooney
2
: an ignorant, misinformed, or dishonest practitioner of medicine
- No doubt these misunderstandings and dashed hopes have driven many cancer patients and their families into the arms of quacks.
- —Haydn Bush
Origin and Etymology of quack
short for quacksalver
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 1638
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearFirst Known Use of quack
1653
QUACK Defined for Kids
Definition of quack for Students
quacked;
quacking
: to make the cry of a duck
Definition of quack for Students
: a person who pretends to have medical knowledge and skill
Definition of quack for Students
: relating to, being, or used by a person who pretends to have medical skill
- a quack doctor
- quack remedies
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of quack
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or being a quack
- scores of quack remedies for arthritis
- —Jane E. Brody
Learn More about quack
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See words that rhyme with quack Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quack Spanish Central: Translation of quack Nglish: Translation of quack for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of quack for Arabic speakers
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