The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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nostrum

noun

/ˈnɒstrəm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of nostrum

A supposed cure or remedy for a particular problem, often one that is unproven or ineffective.
"Many people fall prey to the allure of a quick-fix nostrum for weight loss."

Detailed meaning of nostrum

The noun "nostrum" refers to This term is often used to describe a product or method that is marketed as a solution to a particular ailment but lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Nostrums may be sold by individuals or companies that make extravagant claims about their product's ability to cure or alleviate various conditions, often without any substantiated research or clinical trials to back up their assertions. The term "nostrum" is frequently used in a negative sense, suggesting that such products or methods are fraudulent or misleading, and may even be harmful to people who rely on them instead of seeking proper medical treatment.

Example sentences containing nostrum

1. He touted his herbal concoction as a miraculous nostrum for all ailments.
2. The snake oil salesman peddled a worthless nostrum to gullible customers.
3. She realized the diet pills were nothing but a quack's nostrum.
4. The internet is filled with dubious nostrums for weight loss.
5. His "magic" crystals turned out to be just another nostrum.
6. The elixir claimed to be a nostrum for eternal youth.

History and etymology of nostrum

The noun 'nostrum' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin phrase 'noster,' meaning 'our' or 'ours,' which was used in the sense of 'our remedy' or 'our cure.' In ancient Rome, people often created and marketed their own homemade remedies and elixirs as solutions to various ailments. Over time, the term 'nostrum' came to denote any supposed cure or remedy for a particular problem, often one that is unproven, unregulated, or ineffective. The etymology of 'nostrum' reflects its historical connection to the idea of a remedy claimed to be special or unique, sometimes with questionable effectiveness, highlighting the concept of personal or homemade solutions to health issues.

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Further usage examples of nostrum

1. Desperate for a solution, she tried the latest wellness nostrum.
2. The self-help book was just another nostrum for happiness.
3. The tonic's label promised it was a nostrum for vitality.
4. The charlatan profited from selling his pseudoscientific nostrum.
5. The supposed miracle drug was merely a nostrum with no proof.
6. People sought solace in the traveling mystic's nostrum.
7. The marketing pitch was full of promises about their nostrum.
8. He was disappointed when the psychic's remedy proved a nostrum.
9. A skeptic, she dismissed the holistic healer's nostrum.
10. The wellness industry often thrives on promoting nostrums.
11. The ancient scroll contained a recipe for a mystical nostrum.
12. Many fell for the dubious faith healer's nostrum.
13. The herbalist's remedy was just another unproven nostrum.
14. The dubious clinic offered an expensive nostrum for health.
15. The traveling salesman touted his latest nostrum as a miracle cure for all ailments.
16. The snake oil salesman's nostrum promised to cure everything from baldness to arthritis.
17. The herbalist's nostrum promised to boost energy levels and improve overall health.
18. Consumers should be wary of purchasing untested nostrums from online sellers.
19. The government warned against using unapproved nostrums to treat serious illnesses.
20. Some nostrums may contain harmful or toxic ingredients that can cause adverse reactions.
21. The rise of alternative medicine has led to a proliferation of nostrums and other unproven remedies.
22. The quack doctor prescribed a nostrum for his patient's imaginary ailment.
23. Despite its lack of scientific evidence, many people continue to swear by the healing powers of a particular nostrum.
24. Some people may turn to nostrums as a last resort when conventional medicine fails to provide relief.
25. The history of medicine is rife with examples of nostrums that were later revealed to be nothing more than placebos.