n. The ancient Hindu science of health and medicine, based on maintaining balance among the five elements earth, air, fire, water, and ether. [Sanskrit āyurvedaḥ : āyuḥ, life, health; see aiw- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + vedaḥ, knowledge, lore; see weid- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] A′yur·vedic adj. |
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