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.]
   • 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC, 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.
   1. (medicine) Gradually changing, or tending to change, a morbid state into a healthy one. [from 15th c.]

alterative f

1. feminine plural of alterativo

• alteratevi