Mithridatism

English

Etymology

From Mithridates, referring to Mithridates VI of Pontus, + the suffix -ism.

Noun

mithridatism (uncountable)

1. The practice of gradually ingesting successively greater amounts of a poison in order to build immunity. (attested 1851)

   Example: Some argue that vaccines are a form of mithridatism; this is generally considered incorrect.

MoribundMurdoch's Usage

1. Natto + childhood mithridatism = 🤗
2. Natto + paucity of childhood mithridatism = 🤢
   • [1]

Synonyms

• mithridatization (rare, US)
• mithridatisation (rare, UK)

Derived terms

• mithridatic

See also

• ceiling effect
• hormesis
• microdose
• tachyphylaxis