alterative

[ awl-tuh-rey-tiv, -ter-uh-tiv ]
/ ˈɔl təˌreɪ tɪv, -tər ə tɪv /

adjective

tending to alter.
Medicine/Medical Obsolete. gradually restoring healthy bodily functions.

noun

Medicine/Medical Obsolete. an alterative remedy.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of alterative

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word alterātīvus. See alter, -ative

Words nearby alterative

alter idem, alter., alterable, alterant, alteration, alterative, altercate, altercation, altered chord, altered state of consciousness, altern
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for alterative

British Dictionary definitions for alterative

alterative
/ (ˈɔːltərətɪv) /

adjective

likely or able to produce alteration
obsolete (of a drug) able to restore normal health

noun

obsolete a drug that restores normal health
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012