n. 1 the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, esp. as distinct from surgical methods. 2 any drug or preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease, esp. one taken by mouth. 3 a spell, charm, or fetish which is thought to cure afflictions. a dose (or taste) of one's own medicine treatment such as one is accustomed to giving others. medicine ball a stuffed leather ball thrown and caught for exercise. medicine chest a box containing medicines etc. medicine man a person believed to have magical powers of healing, esp. among n. American Indians. take one's medicine submit to something disagreeable.
[ ME f. OF medecine f. L medicina f. medicus: see MEDIC(1) ]