Definition of Antidote
Antidote: An agent that counteracts a poison and neutralizes its effects.
A chemical antidote is a substance that unites with a poison to form a harmless chemical compound. A mechanical antidote is a substance that prevents the absorption of a poison from the intestine into the body.
The word "antidote" is from the Greek antidotos which came from anti, against, + dotos, what is given = what is given against (something).
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=13669
Last Editorial Review: 6/21/2000 6:26:00 AM
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