nostrum

[ nos-truhm ]

noun

1. a medicine sold with false or exaggerated claims and with no demonstrable value; quack medicine.
2. a pet scheme or remedy, especially for social or political ills; panacea:

   The party was pushing the nostrum of corporate tax reduction, as if that would undo decades of industrial job loss.

3. a medicine made by the person who recommends it.
4. a patent medicine.

nostrum

/ ˈnɒstrəm /

noun

1. a patent or quack medicine
2. a favourite remedy, as for political or social problems

Word History and Origins

Origin of nostrum¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin: literally, “our, ours” (neuter singular of noster ), with a noun such as remedium “remedy, cure” being understood; referring to the seller's calling the drug “our” drug

Word History and Origins

Origin of nostrum¹

C17: from Latin: our own (make), from noster our

Example Sentences

That stricken soldiers would act out, and be justified in doing so, was a widely accepted nostrum in civilian circles too.

From Time

Captain Giuseppe Maggio described the nightmare situations the Mare Nostrum ships encounter.

From The Daily Beast

Since Mare Nostrum, more than 60 traffickers have been arrested when their boats were intercepted or rescued at sea.

From The Daily Beast

But if Mare Nostrum ends, it could be a tragic day for migrants making the perilous crossing.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, it would like to see additional, strengthened search and rescue missions like Mare Nostrum put in place.

From The Daily Beast

Arma igitur expediunt, passis velis, instructa acie, directo cursu in nostrum portum inuehuntur.

From Project Gutenberg

And now we find another example in that much advertised nostrum, Uriseptin.

From Project Gutenberg

So that, like acetanilid, the old argument of the nostrum men that the preparation needs skill in compounding will not hold.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, to be consistent with the ethics of the nostrum business he need have none.

From Project Gutenberg

Among other things, it has furnished a demonstration of the value of the honorable assurances of nostrum venders.

From Project Gutenberg