The Collaborative International Dictionary
Theriac \The"ri*ac\, Theriaca \The*ri"a*ca\, n. [L. theriaca an antidote against the bite of serpents, Gr. ?: cf. F. th['e]riaque. See Treacle.]
(Old Med.) An ancient composition esteemed efficacious against the effects of poison; especially, a certain compound of sixty-four drugs, prepared, pulverized, and reduced by means of honey to an electuary; -- called also theriaca Andromachi, and Venice treacle.
Treacle; molasses.
--British Pharm.
Wiktionary
n. theriac
Wikipedia
The Theriaca is the longest surviving work of the 2nd-century BC Greek poet Nicander of Colophon.
It is a 958-line hexameter poem describing the nature of venomous creatures, including snakes, spiders, and scorpions, and the wounds that they inflict.
Nicander also wrote the companion work Alexipharmaca, which explored other poisons and venoms.
Theriaca may refer to:
- Theriaca (poem) by Nicander of Colophon, Greek poet of 2nd century BC
- Theriaca or Theriac, ancient Greek remedy
- Venice treacle, also called Andromachi theriaca, antidote against venom
Usage examples of "theriaca".
Likewise he shall have my cordial julep with a portion of this confection which we do call Theriaca Andromachi, which hath juice of poppy in it, and is a great stayer of anguish.