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Nostrum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nostrum

[หˆnษ’strษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medicine remedy

A nostrum is a medicine, especially one that is not considered effective, that is claimed to cure a wide variety of ailments. It is often marketed without scientific proof of efficacy and can sometimes be seen as a quack remedy.

Synonyms

cure-all, panacea, quack remedy.

Examples of usage

  • The market is flooded with nostrums that promise miraculous cures.
  • People were wary of the nostrum advertised on television.
  • Many health shops sell nostrums for all sorts of ailments.
Context #2 | Noun

political solution

A nostrum can also refer to a scheme or plan that is proposed as a quick fix to a complex problem, often lacking a sound basis or effectiveness.

Synonyms

cure-all, quick fix, simplistic solution.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's nostrum did little to address the underlying issues.
  • Voters were skeptical of the nostrums suggested in the campaign.
  • The proposed nostrum proved to be ineffective in practice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'nostrum'

The word 'nostrum' originates from the Latin noun 'nostrum', which means 'ours' and was often used to refer to 'our remedy'. The context of its use dates back to the late 16th century when it was linked to remedies sold by people claiming to be able to cure various ailments. The term increasingly took on a negative connotation as it came to represent ineffective or fraudulent medical solutions. In English usage, it was first recorded in literature in the early 17th century and has evolved to also encompass figurative meanings relating to quick fixes in various fields, such as politics and social issues. The persistence of the term reflects societal skepticism regarding unproven solutions and highlights a common tendency to seek simple answers in an increasingly complex world.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,005, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.