antiphysic
|an-ti-phys-ic|
/ˌæn.tɪˈfɪz.ɪk/
against nature
Etymology
'antiphysic' originates from Medieval Latin 'antiphysicus', ultimately from Greek elements 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'physis' meaning 'nature'.
'antiphysicus' passed into Late/Medieval Latin and then into English (via scholarly and medical Latin) as 'antiphysic' with usage attested in early modern medical writings.
Initially it referred specifically to remedies or doctrines opposing natural processes; over time the term became archaic and is now chiefly used historically to mean 'against nature'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an agent, remedy, or practice that counteracts or opposes natural processes; (historical) a medicine or method considered to work against nature.
In older medical texts an antiphysic was listed among cures that directly opposed what physicians considered the body's natural tendencies.
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Adjective 1
contrary to or opposing nature; unnatural or against the normal course of natural processes (archaic).
The physician condemned the treatment as antiphysic, arguing it worked against the body's natural recovery.
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Last updated: 2025/09/06 19:34