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alternative medicine
noun
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (such as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) not included in the traditional medical curricula of the U.S. and Britain
Examples of alternative medicine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kress, who previously worked in the medical field, joined the dispensary 2 1/2 years ago because of his interest in alternative medicine.
—Brad Branan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024
Leary, who has a doctorate in chiropractic and alternative medicine, would set up ice baths for his private practice clients, and eventually in 2019, set up a breathwork ice bath class at a wellness retreat in Costa Rica—to aid the group’s recovery.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024
Her treatments had been administered by an alternative medicine physician, based on preliminary evidence that megadoses of the vitamin might play a role in treating cancer.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024
But, in recent years, amid a booming alternative medicine industry, the FDA cracked down.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Aug. 2023
But her Maryland license as a naturopathic physician, which allows the practice of alternative medicine, expired during the Burnses’ pregnancy, state records show.
—Amy Brittain, Washington Post, 26 Dec. 2023
Next, the group will take aim at the few advertisers who have decided to pay Trump to sell gold, alternative medicine, and Trump merchandise on his platform.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative medicine, the therapeutic potential of CBD has garnered significant attention.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2023
This type of alternative medicine might effectively reduce the frequency and duration of migraines.
—Colleen Stinchcombe, Health, 19 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alternative medicine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative medicine was
in 1972
Dictionary Entries Near alternative medicine
Cite this Entry
“Alternative medicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20medicine. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Kids Definition
alternative medicine
noun
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as herbal medicine) involving approaches not customarily taught or practiced in the U.S.
Medical Definition
alternative medicine
noun
: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as homeopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, Ayurveda, or faith healing) that are not included in the traditional curricula taught in medical schools of the United States and Britain
More from Merriam-Webster on alternative medicine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative medicine
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