Alexic
/əˈlɛksɪk/noun
Serving to prevent, ward off, or protect against disease or harmful influences.
Did you know?Alexic shares its Greek root with Alexander, whose name literally means “defender of men,” and with ancient terms for antidotes and protective remedies.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂lek-
“To ward off, protect, or defend.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀλέξω (alexō)
“I ward off, defend, or keep away.”
Classical Greek
Greek
ἀλεξίκακον (alexikakon)
“A remedy or protection against evil or harm.”
Hellenistic–Byzantine Greek
Greek
ἀλεξιφάρμακον (alexipharmakon)
“An antidote or substance used to ward off poison.”
17th Century
English
alexic
“Protective against disease or harmful influences.”
Modern English
English
alexic
“Used chiefly in technical or historical contexts for something preventive or protective.”
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