SKIP TO CONTENT

mithridate

/ˈmɪθrɪˌdeɪt/
IPA guide

Mithridate is an ancient cure or remedy that was said to counteract the effects of poison. During the Middle Ages, people would take mithridate in the hopes of warding off the plague.

Though in past centuries it was widely considered a universal antidote to any poison, mithridate was not a scientifically proven cure but more of a mythical potion. Named for its supposed first-century Greek creator, Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus, mithridate contained as many as 65 different ingredients. These included things like parsley, turpentine resin, and cinnamon. Mithridate was used to prevent or treat illness until the 19th century.

Definitions of mithridate
  1. noun
    (dated) a medicine thought to be an antidote against all poisons
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mithridate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family