folk medicine

noun

: traditional medicine as practiced nonprofessionally especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis

Examples of folk medicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The herb has a long tradition in folk medicine and is often used to stimulate digestion. Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024 Science has caught up with the empirical wisdom of country folk medicine. Diane Kochilas, Contributor, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2024 The flowering shrubs known as witch hazel are perhaps best known for their use in folk medicine and as a natural topical skin ointment. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023 Sun bears’ gall bladders are used in some Chinese folk medicine, and their paws are a high-end delicacy. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for folk medicine 

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk medicine was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near folk medicine

Cite this Entry

“Folk medicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20medicine. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

folk medicine

noun
: traditional medicine that usually involves the use of plant-based remedies especially by people isolated from modern medical services

Medical Definition

folk medicine

noun
: traditional medicine as practiced especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis compare home remedy

More from Merriam-Webster on folk medicine

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