Actinopraxis

/ˌæk.tɪ.noʊˈpræk.sɪs/ noun

Definition

Medical or therapeutic treatment using radiation or rays, particularly historical applications of radioactive substances.

Etymology

From actino- (ray) + praxis (practice, action, from Greek). Describes the practical application of radiation in medical contexts.

Kelly Says

Actinopraxis was hugely popular in the 1920s-1940s for treating everything from acne to arthritis—radiating water, cosmetics, and suppositories were sold worldwide until doctors realized they were slowly poisoning their patients.

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