allopathic medicine

English

Noun

allopathic medicine (usually uncountable, plural allopathic medicines)

1. A system of alternative medicine that treats symptoms with substances that produce opposite symptoms; the opposite of homeopathy.

   Synonym: allopathy

2. Modern Western medicine.

Usage notes

When used to refer to conventional medicine, this word is increasingly considered derogatory by its practitioners. This second meaning is primarily used by homeopaths and some American osteopaths to differentiate their medical practices from conventional medical practices.

Related terms

• osteopathic medicine