theriaca

noun

the·​ri·​a·​ca thi-ˈrī-ə-kə How to pronounce theriaca (audio)
: a mixture of many drugs and honey formerly held to be an antidote to poison
theriacal adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, antidote against poison — more at treacle

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theriaca was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near theriaca

Cite this Entry

“Theriaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theriaca. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

theriaca

noun
the·​ri·​a·​ca thi-ˈrī-ə-kə How to pronounce theriaca (audio)
: an antidote to poison consisting typically of about 70 drugs pulverized and reduced with honey to an electuary

called also Venice treacle

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