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folk medicine
noun
: traditional medicine as practiced nonprofessionally especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis
Examples of folk medicine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The herb has a long tradition in folk medicine and is often used to stimulate digestion.
—Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024
Science has caught up with the empirical wisdom of country folk medicine.
—Diane Kochilas, Contributor, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2024
The flowering shrubs known as witch hazel are perhaps best known for their use in folk medicine and as a natural topical skin ointment.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023
Sun bears’ gall bladders are used in some Chinese folk medicine, and their paws are a high-end delicacy.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1878, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near folk medicine
Cite this Entry
“Folk medicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20medicine. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
folk medicine
noun
: traditional medicine that usually involves the use of plant-based remedies especially by people isolated from modern medical services
Medical Definition
folk medicine
noun
: traditional medicine as practiced especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis compare home remedy
More from Merriam-Webster on folk medicine
Britannica English: Translation of folk medicine for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk medicine
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