homeopathy

American  

[hoh-mee-op-uh-thee] / ˌhoʊ miˈɒp ə θi /

noun

1. the method of treating disease by drugs, given in minute doses, that would produce in a healthy person symptoms similar to those of the disease (opposed to allopathy).

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homeopathy British  

/ ˌhəʊmɪəˈpæθɪk, ˌhəʊmɪˈɒpəθɪst, ˌhəʊmɪˈɒpəθɪ, ˈhəʊmɪəˌpæθ /

noun

1. a method of treating disease by the use of small amounts of a drug that, in healthy persons, produces symptoms similar to those of the disease being treated Compare allopathy

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homeopathy Scientific  

/ hō′mē-ŏp′ə-thē /

1. A nontraditional system for treating and preventing disease, in which minute amounts of a substance that in large amounts causes disease symptoms are given to healthy individuals. This is thought to enhance the body's natural defenses.

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homeopathy Cultural  

1. A system of treating disease in which small doses of certain substances are administered; in large doses, given to a healthy person, these substances would produce the symptoms of the disease. The principles of homeopathy do not enjoy widespread acceptance in the medical community.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• homeopathic
  adjective
• homeopathist
  noun
• homeopathically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of homeopathy

First recorded in 1820–30; homeo- + -pathy

Compare meaning

How does homeopathy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• homeopathy vs. allopathy

Example Sentences

Homeopathy advocates have embraced the results, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, as long-awaited evidence that the practice works.

From Nature • Oct. 8, 2018

Homeopathy is sometimes used by organic farmers, such as for cows with mastitis.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2016

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old system of treatment that uses highly-diluted substances, sometimes so none of the original product is left.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2011

Homeopathy is pseudoscience. — hahnemann Though it sounds like yours needed the money-grab, I question the judgment of any pharmacy that chooses to sell homeopathic products.

From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2010

Homeopathy is a type of medicine that rejects the use of harsh chemicals and other techniques.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow