mithridate

[ mith-ri-deyt ]

noun

, Old Pharmacology.

1. a confection believed to contain an antidote to every poison.

mithridate

/ ˈmɪθrɪˌdeɪt /

noun

1. obsolete.
   a substance believed to be an antidote to every poison and a cure for every disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of mithridate¹

1520–30; earlier mithridatum < Medieval Latin, variant of Late Latin mithridātium, noun use of neuter of Mithridātius, equivalent to Mithridāt(ēs) Mithridates VI ( def ) ( mithridatism ) + -ius -ious

Word History and Origins

Origin of mithridate¹

C16: from Late Latin mithradatium, after Mithridates VI , alluding to his legendary immunity to poisons

Example Sentences

To produce sweating, employ cardus water, and mithridate, or a decoction of guaiacum and sarsaparilla.

From Project Gutenberg

When she comes out of her bath, give her an ounce of syrup of feverfew with a drachm of dog's tooth (mithridate).

From Project Gutenberg

It was also a true and frank admiration which caused him to dry his tears at Iphigenie, and to order the repetition of Mithridate.

From Project Gutenberg

What silly mariner in my ship hath not bought or begged mithridate or a pinch of achimenius wherewith to make good his voyage?

From Project Gutenberg

The more powerful diaphoretic treacles, such as mithridate, were always a mistake.

From Project Gutenberg