hydropathy

[hahy-drop-uh-thee]

noun

1. the curing of disease by the internal and external use of water.

hydropathy

/ haɪˈdrɒpəθɪ, ˌhaɪdrəʊˈpæθɪk /

noun

1. Also called: water cure. a pseudoscientific method of treating disease by the use of large quantities of water both internally and externally Compare hydrotherapy

Other Word Forms

• hydropathic adjective
• hydropathist noun
• hydropathical adjective
• hydropath noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydropathy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; hydro- ¹ + -pathy

Example Sentences

I try to find the "warm swimming baths" that the guide promises me - Matlock was known as the home of hydropathy - but Hartwell explains that today they've been transformed into an aquarium.

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These societal assumptions could not help but influence perceptions about irregular health systems, particularly those like hydropathy and homeopathy where women took active leadership roles.

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A hypochondriac, he was daffy about fashionable fads such as hydropathy.

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Dr. Warren seems to favor the practice of hydropathy to some extent, but must needs bear his testimony in full against homœopathy.

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Spencer's nerve-centres, which could never endure prolonged attention, showed the usual symptoms of over-fatigue; and though he tried morphia and skating, hydropathy and rackets, he had to give up work early in 1868.

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