Homeopathic

/ˌhoʊmiəˈpæθɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine based on the principle that substances causing symptoms in healthy people can cure similar symptoms in sick people when highly diluted.

Etymology

Coined in 1796 by German physician Samuel Hahnemann from Greek homoios (similar) and pathos (suffering or disease). The term reflects the core principle of 'like cures like,' which Hahnemann called the Law of Similars.

Kelly Says

Homeopathic dilutions are so extreme that a 30C dilution (common in homeopathy) would require a sphere of water larger than the solar system to contain just one molecule of the original substance. This mathematical impossibility is why mainstream medicine considers homeopathy pseudoscience, despite its widespread historical use.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.