theriac

Meanings

Noun

• A supposed universal antidote against poison, especially snake venom; specifically, one such developed in the 1st century as an improvement on mithridate.
• Treacle; molasses.

Adjective

• Theriacal; medicinal.

Origin

• From Middle French thériaque, from Medieval Latin theriaca, from Ancient Greek θηριακή ("antidote") feminine form of θηριακός, from θήρ. Compare Theriaca, from θηριακή.