Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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name
A French astrologer and author of prophecies who lived in the early 1500s.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
name
Someone who makes accurate prophecies.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Any quack doctor or charlatan.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: dated
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
French astrologer who wrote cryptic predictions whose interpretations are still being debated (1503-1566)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: Michel de Notredame
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: astrologer, astrologist
History
Michel de Nostredame's surname is one that honors Saint Mary (Our Lady). More details (if desired) are available at Nostradamus § Childhood.
Since before 1908. Most likely from wordplay among physicians, as a playful agent noun for quacks who give nostrums to their patients, playing on wide familiarity with a cultural reference to the famous (and dubiously effective) Nostradamus.
Across languages
13 source translations are retained for this English entry.
