How Do You Spell MITHRIDATE?

Pronunciation: [mˈɪθɹɪdˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "Mithridate" is a tricky one when it comes to spelling. It is pronounced as ˈmɪθrədeɪt in IPA phonetic transcription, which means it contains multiple sounds that are not represented by their conventional English spellings. The "th" sound in the first syllable is rendered as "θ" in IPA, and the final "e" is pronounced as "ɪ" instead of "eɪ". Thus, the spelling of "Mithridate" may not match its pronunciation, making it one of the many words that can trip up English learners.

MITHRIDATE Meaning and Definition

1. Mithridate is a noun that refers to a substance or antidote believed to possess universal powers against poisons. The term originates from the name of Mithridates VI, a king of Pontus in Asia Minor who ruled from 120 to 63 BCE. Mithridates VI was notorious for his paranoia and fear of being assassinated through poison. In an attempt to develop immunity against toxins, he supposedly created a preparation known as "mithridate" or "mithridatium."

   The concept of mithridate gained popularity during ancient times and continued to be referenced in various medical texts. It was believed that the formula contained a combination of numerous plant-based ingredients and minerals, often including opium, myrrh, saffron, and viper's flesh. Mithridate was prepared by grinding and mixing these substances with honey, and it was believed to be an extremely potent antidote capable of neutralizing a wide range of toxins.

   Over time, the term "mithridate" evolved to refer to any universal antidote or remedy that offers protection against diverse types of poisoning. Today, the concept of mithridate is often used metaphorically to represent a substance, preparation, or solution that provides protection, defense, or immunity against various harms or dangers.

2. One of several old pharmaceutical preparations reputed to be antidotal to or preventive of poisoning.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MITHRIDATE

• mithridates
• mythridates
• nithridate
• kithridate
• jithridate
• muthridate
• mjthridate
• mkthridate
• mothridate
• m9thridate
• m8thridate
• mirhridate
• mifhridate
• mighridate
• miyhridate
• mi6hridate
• mi5hridate
• mitgridate
• mitbridate
• mitnridate

Etymology of MITHRIDATE

The word "Mithridate" has its origins in the name of Mithridates VI, a 1st-century BC king of Pontus (in present-day Turkey). Mithridates VI was famous for his efforts to protect himself from poisoning by regularly ingesting small doses of various toxic substances, with the belief that this would make him immune to poison. This practice became known as "Mithridatism".

The word "Mithridate" then transferred to describe a concoction or antidote against poison, often created using a combination of various substances believed to have protective properties. Over time, "Mithridate" became a term used for different medicinal preparations or therapeutic mixtures, and it is commonly associated with compounds used in ancient and medieval medicine to counteract poison.

Plural form of MITHRIDATE is MITHRIDATES