theriaca

noun

the·​ri·​a·​ca thi-ˈrī-ə-kə How to pronounce theriaca (audio)
: a mixture of many drugs and honey formerly held to be an antidote to poison
theriacal
thi-ˈrī-ə-kəl How to pronounce theriaca (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, antidote against poison — more at treacle

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theriaca was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near theriaca

theriac

theriaca

therian

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Cite this Entry

“Theriaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theriaca. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

theriaca

noun
the·​ri·​a·​ca thi-ˈrī-ə-kə How to pronounce theriaca (audio)
: an antidote to poison consisting typically of about 70 drugs pulverized and reduced with honey to an electuary

called also Venice treacle

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