alternative medicine

noun

: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (such as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) not included in the traditional medical curricula of the U.S. and Britain

Examples of alternative medicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed as a countermeasure against poachers who illegally harvest rhino horns for alternative medicine and luxury items, this project promises to deter smuggling and save countless rhinos. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 June 2024

All these conspiracy theories and so on and all these alternative medicines. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the human brain in response to darkness, helps with sleep patterns and the body’s 24-hour internal clock, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a federal agency that oversees research on alternative medicine. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 May 2024

Apple cider vinegar could be an acceptable complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve the quality of life for patients with varicose veins.3 Antifungal Properties Scientific research supporting claims that apple cider vinegar contains antifungal properties remains lacking. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

alternative medicine

noun

: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as herbal medicine) involving approaches not customarily taught or practiced in the U.S.

Medical Definition

alternative medicine

noun

: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as homeopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, Ayurveda, or faith healing) that are not included in the traditional curricula taught in medical schools of the United States and Britain