Memory Tricks: Nostrum
Happily, the world didn’t end this weekend! History did not reach its terminus, and we were not extirpated! (Also, I just want to say: I’m writing this post in advance.)
In honor of dubious prophesies, we have a memory trick submitted by Manhattan GRE Guided Self-Study student Susanne, for the word nostrum, which means “a medicine sold with false or exaggerated claims and with no demonstrable value; quack medicine; a scheme, theory, device, etc., especially one to remedy social or political ills.” (Note that in American English, scheme has a negative connotation.) From Susanne:
How do I remember the word NOSTRUM, you ask? I think of Nostradamus, who is renowned for his book of prophecies. But, did you know that Nostradamus was also an apothecary? If you are one (like me) to think that his prophecies are all wack and that he’s just a quack, how could you, then, trust the medicine he made? Well, I would think that his medicine is also quack, so when I need to recall the meaning of the word NOSTRUM, I simply think of this little formula: medicine from Nostradamus = NOSTRUM.
Thanks, Susanne!
