ALTERATIVE

I. ˈȯltəˈrād.iv, -_rəd.-, ȯlˈterəd.- noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French alteratif, from Medieval Latin alterativus, from alterativus, adjective

: any drug used empirically to alter favorably the course of an ailment and to restore healthy body functions — now rarely used technically

II. adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French alteratif, from Medieval Latin alterativus, from Late Latin alteratus (past participle of alterare ) + Latin -ivus -ive

: causing alteration