laetrile
noun
la·e·trile
ˈlā-ə-(ˌ)tril 
-trəl
often capitalized
: a drug derived especially from apricot pits that contains amygdalin and has been used in the treatment of cancer although of unproved effectiveness
Examples of laetrile in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is not the first time Jason Vale has been accused of selling laetrile, another name for amygdalin.
—
Corky Siemaszko, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2019
And despite the claims of some natural health practitioners, no existing studies have been found that meet scientific standards for proving that laetrile actually helps combat cancer, reports Rae Johnston for Gizmodo Australia.
—Ben Panko, Smithsonian, 13 Sep. 2017
The drug foreshadowed the debate over later miracle cures, such as laetrile in the 1970s.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2017
Shortly after arriving at the spa, also known as Pacific Health Restoration Center, Hirsh received a regime of laetrile, which contains cyanide and is banned by the Food and Drug Administration.
—Christine Willmsen, The Seattle Times, 29 May 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Corky Siemaszko, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2019
And despite the claims of some natural health practitioners, no existing studies have been found that meet scientific standards for proving that laetrile actually helps combat cancer, reports Rae Johnston for Gizmodo Australia.
—Ben Panko, Smithsonian, 13 Sep. 2017
The drug foreshadowed the debate over later miracle cures, such as laetrile in the 1970s.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2017
Shortly after arriving at the spa, also known as Pacific Health Restoration Center, Hirsh received a regime of laetrile, which contains cyanide and is banned by the Food and Drug Administration.
—Christine Willmsen, The Seattle Times, 29 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Laetrile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laetrile. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
laetrile
noun
la·e·trile
ˈlā-ə-(ˌ)tril, -trəl
often capitalized
: a drug that is derived especially from pits of the apricot (Prunus armeniaca of the rose family), that contains amygdalin, and that has been used in the treatment of cancer although of unproved effectiveness
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share