alterative

From Latin alterativum, noun use of alterativus.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈɒl.tɹə.tɪv/, /ˈɒl.tə.ɹə.tɪv/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈɔl.tɚˌaɪ.tɪv/, /ˈɔl.tɚ.ə.tɪv/

alterative (plural alteratives)

1. (medicine, now historical) A medicine or treatment which works by changing processes within the body, rather than by evacuating something etc. [from 14th c.]
   • 1621, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy, Oxford: Printed by Iohn Lichfield and Iames Short, for Henry Cripps, OCLC 216894069; The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd corrected and augmented edition, Oxford: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, 1624, OCLC 54573970, partition II, section 5, member 1, subsection v:

     Amongst this number of cordials and alteratives I do not find a more present remedy than a cup of wine or strong drink, if it be soberly and opportunely used.

alterative (comparative more alterative, superlative most alterative)

1. Causing alteration. Specifically: Gradually changing, or tending to change, a morbid state of the functions into one of health. [from 15th c.]

alterative f

1. feminine plural of alterativo