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cure

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkjʊɹ// UK //kjˈɔː// cure Archaic General-service Slang

n. a medicine or treatment that makes a sick person healthy again. It can also mean a way to solve a difficult problem.

n. a substance or treatment that restores health or ends a disease; by extension, a definitive solution to a persistent problem.


SIMPLE

Scientists are working hard to find a cure for the common cold.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of research, the medical team finally discovered a cure that could save thousands of lives.

COMPLEX

While the new policy was hailed as a cure for the city's housing crisis, critics argued it merely addressed the symptoms rather than the underlying economic causes.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English cure, borrowed from Old French cure (“care, cure, healing, cure of souls”), from Latin cura (“care, medical attendance, cure”). Displaced native Old English hǣlu, but survived as heal.

Etymology 2

From Middle English curen, from Old French curer, from Latin cūrāre. Partially displaced Old English ġehǣlan, whence Modern English heal.

Etymology 3

From curiosity.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' when identifying the disease or problem being addressed.

Pitfall

a cure of the diseasea cure for the diseaseThe noun 'cure' typically takes the preposition 'for' to indicate the ailment it treats.

Idioms2 entries

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