alterative

noun

al·​ter·​ative ˈȯl-tə-ˌrāt-iv, -rət- How to pronounce alterative (audio)
: a drug used empirically to alter favorably the course of an ailment

Cite this Entry

“Alterative.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/alterative. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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