Nostradamus

/nɔstɹədˈæməs/

Nostradamus

English Noun Top 23,775

Definition

Any quack doctor or charlatan.

Etymology

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.