What does homoeopathy mean?
Homoeopathy is a system of alternative medicine associated with German physician Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on two linked ideas: that a substance producing particular symptoms in a healthy person may help treat similar symptoms in an ill person, and that the substance becomes more effective when repeatedly diluted and shaken. The best-known expression is “like cures like,” usually translated from the Latin similia similibus curentur. Although homoeopathy is widely practised and marketed in many countries, its proposed mechanisms and claimed benefits have not been convincingly supported by mainstream scientific evidence. The word therefore carries both practical and polemical associations: supporters describe it as individualized, holistic treatment, while critics regard it as unsupported by pharmacology and clinical research. In British usage, “homoeopathy” is the conventional spelling, whereas American English normally uses “homeopathy.” The term can refer strictly to the medical system or more loosely to its remedies and the principles underlying them. It is useful to know because it occupies a distinctive place in discussions of alternative medicine, medical evidence, and public health regulation.
nounHomoeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded by Samuel Hahnemann, based on the principle that substances producing certain symptoms in healthy people should be used to treat similar symptoms in ill people, usually in highly diluted preparations.
- A system of alternative medicine based on treating similar symptoms with highly diluted substances and the principle expressed as “like cures like.”
"The clinic combines conventional treatment with homoeopathy and other complementary therapies."
"After years of recurring symptoms, she consulted a practitioner of homoeopathy."
"Public-health officials have criticized homoeopathy because its central claims are not supported by reliable clinical evidence."
Rare; homoeopathy is normally treated as an uncountable noun.
"The study compares different homoeopathies that developed in Europe and the United States."
Its signature principle, “like cures like,” has inspired both devoted patients and fierce scientific debate for more than two centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homoeopathy come from?
Homoeopathy was formed in the early nineteenth century from Greek homoios, meaning “similar,” and pathos, meaning “suffering” or “disease.” The German physician Samuel Hahnemann developed the system and used the German form Homöopathie, which became the basis of the British spelling. British usage generally retains homoeopathy, while American English generally uses homeopathy; related words drawing on the same Greek elements include pathology and homoeomorphic.
Related word forms
How homoeopathy is actually used
Usually treated as an uncountable noun. The word is strongly associated with alternative medicine and controversy over the scientific evidence for its proposed effects. British usage generally uses the spelling with “oe,” while American usage generally uses “homeopathy.”
Easily confused with homoeopathy
Homeopathy is the usual American spelling of homoeopathy and denotes the same medical system rather than a distinct practice.