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

According to Smithsonian Magazine, at least a dozen people are believed to have starved to death while under the supervision of Dr. Linda Hazzard, who gained a medical license through a state loophole that allowed for practitioners of alternative medicines to obtain accreditation. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025

In case of extreme discomfort, ask your healthcare provider for an alternative medicine or dose reduction. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Some alternative medicines are being researched and tested, Enomoto said, and early detection is key to prevent arthritis from running rampant through a dog's joints. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024

Complementary and Alternative Medicine There are many anecdotal claims that complementary or alternative medicines can treat tinnitus. —Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

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