n. 1. A drug mentioned in the Odyssey as a remedy for grief. 2. Something that induces forgetfulness of sorrow or eases pain. [Alteration of Latin nēpenthes, from Greek nēpenthes (pharmakon), grief-banishing (drug), nepenthe, neuter of nēpenthēs : nē-, not; see ne in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + penthos, grief; see kwent(h)- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ne·penthe·an (-thē-ən) adj. |
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