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Glite Dictionary
hydropathic

hydropathic

1 9.9
Used to treat illness with water baths
  • adjective
  • /ˌhaɪdrəˈpæθɪk/
  • Archaic
: hidropático
  • Many Victorian-era hospitals featured hydropathic wards where patients bathed in prescribed waters.

Examples

  • The old resort was famous for its hydropathic treatments and mineral baths.

  • The hydropathic treatments have gained popularity in recent years.

  • He attended a hydropathic establishment to cure his chronic pain through water therapy.

  • She visited a hydropathic clinic for her health issues.

  • The doctor recommended a hydropathic treatment to help alleviate her symptoms.

  • Many patients visit the hydropathic center for therapies involving baths and water massages.

  • He found relief from his chronic pain through hydropathic methods such as cold compresses and hydrotherapy.

Surface Forms

hydropathic positive

Morphology

hydropathic = hydropathy (semi-transparent) = hydro + path + ic

The adjective is regularly formed from the noun hydropathy with the suffix -ic, so the meaning 'relating to hydropathy' is direct.

Etymology

Hydropathic comes from hydro- meaning 'water', the same 'hydro' you see in hydroelectric, and -pathic from a root for 'disease' or 'suffering', so it is about using water to treat illness. A hydropathic treatment or place uses baths, showers, or mineral waters to help people get better.