Cure

Definition

Cure is a noun and verb that generally refers to a treatment that eliminates a disease, condition, or ailment, restoring health. As a verb, it can also mean preserving food by drying, salting, or smoking.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kjʊr/
• Respelling: kyoor

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kjʊə/
• Respelling: kyoo-uh

Etymology

The word "cure" originates from the Latin "cura," meaning "care or concern." It entered Old French as "curer," and eventually English, with meanings related to healing or preserving.

Derivatives

• Curing (noun/verb)
• Curable (adjective)
• Curative (adjective)
• Cured (adjective)
• Curer (noun)

Synonyms

• Remedy
• Heal
• Recovery

Antonyms

• Incurable
• Worsen
• Harm

Usage

The term "cure" is frequently used in medical contexts to refer to treatments that restore health, such as "They discovered a cure for the disease." In food processing, it refers to preservation methods, like "The meat was cured with salt."

Related Terms

• Treatment: Medical care given to improve health.
• Therapy: A treatment method aimed at healing or rehabilitation.
• Medicine: The science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A method or treatment that restores health: Refers to a medical intervention that completely resolves an illness or condition.
  • Example: "They hoped to find a cure for cancer."
• A process for preserving food: Describes the method of drying, salting, or smoking food to prolong its shelf life.
  • Example: "The cure of meats involves careful salting and smoking."

Verb

• To eliminate a disease or condition, restoring health: Describes the action of treating an illness until it is fully resolved.
  • Example: "The new medication aims to cure the patient of the infection."
• To preserve food by drying, salting, or smoking: Refers to preparing food so it can be stored for longer periods without spoiling.
  • Example: "They cured the fish by drying it in the sun."