What does diaphoretic mean Meaning and Definition
What does diaphoretic mean
Pronunciation
/daɪˌfɒrɪtɪk/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A diaphoretic is a substance or treatment that promotes sweating, often used to treat certain medical conditions, such as fever or infection.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a diaphoretic to help reduce the patient’s fever.
- The athlete took a diaphoretic before the game to help him sweat out excess salt.
Synonyms
- Sudorific
- Sweat-inducing
Antonyms
- Anti-sweat
- Dryness-inducing
Etymology
The word “diaphoretic” comes from the Greek words “diaphorē” meaning “different” and “hairesis” meaning “choice” or “separation”. It was first used in the 17th century to describe a substance that was used to sweat out toxins or impurities from the body.
Additional Information
Diaphoretics have been used for centuries to treat a range of medical conditions, including fever, infection, and skin conditions. They work by stimulating the sweat glands to produce sweat, which helps to remove toxins and excess fluids from the body.
In addition to medical use, diaphoretics are also used in some cultures as a way to purify the body or to induce a sense of spiritual cleansing. For example, some indigenous cultures use diaphoretic plants to induce sweating as a way to remove evil spirits or to purify the body.
Etymology
The word “diaphoretic” comes from the Greek words “diaphorē” meaning “different” and “hairesis” meaning “choice” or “separation”.
Usage Notes
Diaphoretics are often prescribed by doctors to treat certain medical conditions, but they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Cultural References
In the novel “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the character Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” as a symbol of her sin and shame. In the scene, she is described as using a diaphoretic to try to sweat out her shame and guilt.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Sweat out your worries” – This phrase is often used to encourage people to try to alleviate their stress or anxiety by sweating it out through physical activity or therapy.
Related Words or Phrases
“Sudorific”, “Sweat-inducing”, “Antiperspirant” – These words and phrases are all related to sweat and the process of sweating.
Collocations
“Diaphoretic medicine”, “Sweat therapy”, “Sudorific treatment” – These are common collocations that use the word “diaphoretic” in a medical or therapeutic context.
Frequency of Use
The word “diaphoretic” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is still used in medical and scientific contexts to describe substances or treatments that promote sweating.
Common Misspellings
“Diaphoretik”, “Diaphoretick”, “Diphoretic” – These are common misspellings of the word “diaphoretic”.