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Webster 1913 Edition


Alterative

Al′ter-a-tive

,
Adj.
[L.
alterativus
: cf. F.
altératif
.]
Causing ateration.
Specifically:
Gradually changing, or tending to change, a morbid state of the functions into one of health.
Burton.

Al′ter-a-tive

,
Noun.
A medicine or treatment which gradually induces a change, and restores healthy functions without sensible evacuations.

Webster 1828 Edition


Alterative

AL'TERATIVE

,
Adj.
Causing alteration; having the power to alter.

AL'TERATIVE

,
Noun.
A medicine which, without sensible operation, gradually induces a change in the habit or constitution and restores healthy functions. This word is more generally used than alterant.

Definition 2024


alterative

alterative

English

Noun

alterative (plural alteratives)

  1. (medicine, now historical) A medicine or treatment which works by changing processes within the body, rather than by evacuating something etc. [from 14th c.]
    • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.5.1.v:
      Amongst this number of cordials and alteratives I do not find a more present remedy than a cup of wine or strong drink, if it be soberly and opportunely used.

Adjective

alterative (comparative more alterative, superlative most alterative)

  1. Causing alteration. Specifically: Gradually changing, or tending to change, a morbid state of the functions into one of health. [from 15th c.]

Translations


Italian

Adjective

alterative f

  1. feminine plural of alterativo