Theriac
/ˈθɪəriæk/noun
A medicinal compound formerly believed to counteract poison, often containing numerous ingredients including viper flesh.
Did you know?Galen’s celebrated theriac formula, reportedly containing flesh of vipers, was used in European medicine for centuries as a universal antidote and cure-all.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʷʰer-
“Wild animal or beast; the proposed ancestral root behind Greek thēr.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θηρίον (thērion)
“A wild animal, beast, or venomous creature.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θηριακή (thēriakē)
“A medicinal substance associated with beasts, especially a remedy against animal venom.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
theriaca
“A compound antidote or medicinal preparation, often credited with protection against poisons.”
Medieval French
Old French
triacle
“A medicinal antidote or healing compound.”
14th Century
English
treacle
“A medicinal remedy or antidote; later, a syrupy substance.”
Modern English
English
theriac
“An obsolete or historical antidotal medicinal preparation.”