Curative is an adjective that means able to remedy a condition and a noun that refers to something that remedies a condition.

The Latin word curare (coo RAHR ay) means ‘care’ or ‘cure.’ The word has evolved into English to mean ‘relating to cures.’ Our word of the day is generally used to described things used to cure ailments. For example: I enjoyed the hot dogs the guys in my frat house made for me when I had the flu, but I was dubious of the curative powers they insisted the frankfurters possessed. After eating them I felt just as sick as I had before.