ˈmedsɪn n. 1
the science or
practice of the
diagnosis,
treatment,
and prevention of
disease,
esp. as
distinct from surgical methods. 2
any drug or
preparation used
for the treatment or prevention of disease, esp.
one taken by
mouth. 3 a spell,
charm, or
fetish which is thought to
cure afflictions. øa
dose (or taste) of one's
own medicine treatment
such as one is
accustomed to giving others. medicine ball a stuffed
leather ball thrown and
caught for
exercise. medicine
chest a box containing medicines etc. medicine
man a
person believed to
have magical powers of healing, esp.
among N.
American Indians.
take one's medicine
submit to
something disagreeable. [ME f. OF medecine f. L medicina f. medicus: see MEDIC(1)]