Cacochymical

/ˌkækoʊˈkɪmɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by cacochymy, an ancient medical theory that the body's fluids or humors were imbalanced and causing disease.

Etymology

From Greek 'kakos' (bad) + 'chymos' (juice/humor) + '-ical' suffix. In medieval medicine, cacochymy referred to imbalanced bodily humors believed to cause illness.

Kelly Says

This word comes straight from the era when doctors thought your sickness was caused by having too much blood, phlegm, yellow bile, or black bile—they'd literally drain your blood to 'fix' you! Even though the science was completely wrong, the obsession with body balance inspired modern concepts like nutrition and exercise.

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