curative

[kyoor-uh-tiv]

adjective

1. serving to cure or heal; pertaining to curing or remedial treatment; remedial.

noun

1. a curative agent; remedy.

curative

/ ˈkjʊərətɪv /

adjective

1. able or tending to cure

noun

1. anything able to heal or cure

Other Word Forms

• curatively adverb
• noncurative adjective
• noncuratively adverb
• noncurativeness noun
• subcurative noun
• curativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curative¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French curatif < Medieval Latin cūrātīvus, equivalent to Late Latin cūrāt ( us ) (past participle of curāre to care for, attend to; cure ); -ive

Example Sentences

While there are medical based treatments such as chemotherapy, steroids and hormone therapy available, none of them are "curative", he said.

From BBC

But the Leopold clan sees a new empire of wonder-drug riches by harvesting its curative power, including the unicorn’s purple, iridescent blood and the mysterious properties of its occasionally glowing horn.

From Los Angeles Times

Parran spoke at the conference about the need to think beyond “the separateness of preventative and curative efforts to reduce death and disease” because all health efforts “are parts of the same entity.”

From Salon

So when my oncologist used the words "curative intent" in a meeting to discuss treatment, I felt a huge weight lift off my chest.

From BBC

"This is significant for patients as it represents a curative, de-intensified option compared to traditional radiation therapy."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• corrective 
• healthful 
• invigorating 
• medicinal 
• remedial 
• salutary 
• therapeutic