wonder drug

American  

noun

1. a drug, usually recently discovered or developed, noted for its startling curative effect, as an antibiotic or sulfa drug.

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Etymology

Origin of wonder drug

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wonder drug

After all, the industry regularly reminds us that longer patent terms are needed to ensure they can make enough profit to pay for the research and development of the next wonder drug.

From MarketWatch ● May 21, 2026

While Dr Chung sees no harm in healthy adults "trying it out", he also says results tend to be "minimal gains", adding that "it is not, by any means, a wonder drug".

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2025

The headlines squeal with delight: Latest wonder drug will "cure" obesity.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2023

“I think whipping people up into thinking this was a wonder drug was unconscionable,” he said.

From New York Times ● Jun. 27, 2023

He was happy, relaxed, self-assured, pleased as punch, like someone who had been terminally ill and, when all seemed lost, had been cured by some wonder drug and was now ready to conquer the world.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane