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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.
AL'TERATIVE
,Noun.
Definition 2024
alterative
alterative
English
Noun
alterative (plural alteratives)
- (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.
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.5.1.v:
Adjective
alterative (comparative more alterative, superlative most alterative)
- Causing alteration. Specifically: Gradually changing, or tending to change, a morbid state of the functions into one of health. [from 15th c.]
Translations
causing alteration
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