What does homeopathy mean?
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. It proposes that substances diluted beyond the point at which any molecules remain can nevertheless influence symptoms, and that repeated dilution may make a substance more potent. The practice is widely used in some countries, often alongside or instead of conventional healthcare. However, systematic scientific research has not established that homeopathic remedies work better than placebo, and many regulated products contain little or no active ingredient. The word is therefore important in discussions of medical evidence, public health, consumer protection, and the relationship between traditional practices and scientific medicine.
nounHomeopathy is an alternative-medicine practice based on the claim that highly diluted substances can treat symptoms or illnesses. Its central principles are not supported by convincing scientific evidence, and homeopathic products have not been shown to be effective beyond placebo effects.
- The alternative-medicine practice of treating illness with highly diluted substances believed to produce healing effects.
"The clinic offered homeopathy alongside conventional treatment for patients with mild symptoms."
"Researchers have not found reliable evidence that homeopathy provides benefits beyond placebo effects."
"A health professional explained the principles and limitations of homeopathy to patients considering it as a treatment."
The plural is rare; homeopathy is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The book discusses several homeopathies and the histories of their traditions."
Homeopathy rests on a striking paradox: extreme dilution is presented as making a substance more potent, a claim that clashes with established chemistry and pharmacology.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homeopathy come from?
The word comes from German Homöopathie, coined by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. It was formed from Greek roots meaning “similar suffering,” reflecting the principle that a substance producing symptoms in a healthy person was supposed to treat similar symptoms in an ill person. The spelling homeopathy reflects an English adaptation of the German form, while homoeopathy preserves an alternative spelling that is especially common in British usage.
Related word forms
How homeopathy is actually used
Homeopathy is usually treated as a mass noun. The term is often used in discussions of alternative medicine, medical evidence, consumer protection, and healthcare regulation. It is generally contrasted with evidence-based or conventional medicine.
Easily confused with homeopathy
Homoeopathy is a spelling variant of homeopathy, especially common in British and European usage.