curandero
2
9.9
- noun
- /ˌkuːrənˈdɛroʊ/
- US
- The curandero used traditional herbs to heal his patients in the village.
- spiritual curandero
Examples
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One participant recalled witnessing an exorcism by a curandero.
Academic text (1995) -
Traditionally, Mexican American communities have included a great number of curanderos; however, because their existence is a closely guarded secret to outsiders and even to many residents of the community, it is often impossible to estimate the number of curanderos.
Academic text (1995) -
I'm what they call a curandero.
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Now that I am old, I need doctors more than I need curanderos to cure me.
Academic text (1995) -
I'm not afraid of those spiritual curanderos.
Academic text (1995) -
He's a curandero, a healer, and a wise man.
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I would not turn to a curandero because my illnesses are more related to my old age, such as cataracts or falling down and broken bones.
Academic text (1995) -
The curanderos may help with aches and pains when the doctors can't get rid of the pain or condition.
Academic text (1995) -
Many people seek the guidance of a curandero for spiritual and physical ailments.
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In Latin America, the curandero is often respected for his knowledge of folk remedies.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Curandero comes from the Spanish verb curar 'to cure' plus the ending -ero 'person who does', so it literally means 'a person who cures'. You can see the same idea in the English word cure, and in Latin America a curandero is a traditional healer who uses herbs and spiritual ways to help sick people.