curative

adjective
cu·​ra·​tive | \ ˈkyu̇r-ə-tiv How to pronounce curative (audio) , ˈkyər-\

Definition of curative

1 : relating to or used in the cure of diseases : tending to cure
2 law : serving to correct or negate We have instructed that if a complaint is vulnerable to … dismissal, a district court must permit a curative amendment, unless an amendment would be inequitable or futile.Phillips v. County of Allegheny, 515 F. 3d 224 (3rd Cir. 2008)

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Other Words from curative

curative noun
curatively adverb

Did You Know?

Medical researchers are finding curative substances in places that surprise them. Folklore has led to some "new" cures of old diseases, and natural substances never before tried have often proved effective. Quinine, which comes from a tree in the Andes, was the original drug for malaria; aspirin's main ingredient came from willow bark; and Taxol, a drug used in treating several cancers, was originally extracted from the bark of a yew tree. The curative properties of these natural drugs are today duplicated in the laboratory.

Examples of curative in a Sentence

an herb believed to have curative powers some believe that the herb has curative properties

Recent Examples on the Web

The hotel supposedly attracted celebrities in the '40s and '50s for its curative baths and, of course, the hot springs. Sara Lessley, latimes.com, "Experience hot springs and history on a weekend trip to Benton Hot Springs," 11 July 2019 But the company has since shifted its business strategy, concentrating more in curative gene therapies and reducing its proposed investment here by about $100 million. Stephen Hudak, orlandosentinel.com, "Orange County, Orlando grant tax breaks to biotech firm promising to bring high-wage jobs and a quest to cure rare diseases to Lake Nona’s Medical City," 20 June 2019 Lisa’s matzo ball soup was excellent, a minimalist version with curative chicken broth, parsnips and carrots, and a heavenly light orb of fluffy matzo meal. Michael Mayo, sun-sentinel.com, "Pastrami revival? Wave of delis open in South Florida, blending old and new," 11 July 2019 Beginning in the late 1800s, Alpine also became known for its curative climate, attracting people with respiratory problems to an increasing number of resorts in area. Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Alpine: At 2,000 feet, the gateway to San Diego’s backcountry," 30 June 2019 In the Stage 3 setting, using all available options is important because physicians can approach treatment with a curative intent. Astrazeneca, USA TODAY, "Tapping into the immune system shows promise in stage 3 lung cancer," 3 June 2019 Because cervical cancer generally progresses slowly, early diagnosis is often crucial to detecting the disease when there are curative treatment options available. Leana Wen, SELF, "Before I Was President of Planned Parenthood, I Was Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer at a Routine Screening," 28 Jan. 2019 Proponents extoll the benefits of drinking celery juice on an empty stomach and avoiding cross-contamination with other green vegetables to maximize the curative, mystical powers of celery in its least wholesome form: juice. Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "Celery Juice "Benefits" Are Total B.S., According to Nutrition Science," 16 Jan. 2019 The idea that alkaline water is medicinal, curative, and able to bring about optimal health seems to be based on the belief that acidic properties in the body and blood are the cause of ill health and disease, and need to be neutralized. SELF, "What Even Is Alkaline Water and Is It Really Better Than Regular Water?," 6 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of curative

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for curative

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin cūrātīvus, from Latin cūrātus, past participle of cūrāre "to watch over, attend, treat (sick persons), restore to health" + -īvus -ive — more at cure entry 1

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More Definitions for curative

curative

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of curative

: able to cure diseases or heal people

curative

adjective
cu·​ra·​tive | \ ˈkyu̇r-ət-iv How to pronounce curative (audio) \

Medical Definition of curative

: relating to or used in the cure of diseases

Other Words from curative

curative noun
curatively adverb

curative

adjective
cu·​ra·​tive | \ ˈkyu̇r-ə-tiv How to pronounce curative (audio) \

Legal Definition of curative

: serving or intended to cure defects curative instructions to the jury

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