Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Medical Dictionary

placebo

Pronunciation (plă-sē′bō)
Font Size
A
A
A
  1. An inert substance given as a medicine for its suggestive effect.
  2. An inert compound identical in appearance to material being tested in experimental research, which may or may not be known to the physician or patient, administered to distinguish between drug action and suggestive effect of the material under study.

Syn: active placebo

[L. I will please, future of placeo]

WebMD Medical Reference from "Stedman's Medical Dictionary"

The publisher is not responsible (as a matter of product liability, negligence or otherwise) for any injury resulting from any material contained herein. This publication contains information relating to general principles of medical care which should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. Manufacturers’ product information and package inserts should be reviewed for current information, including contraindications, dosages and precautions.
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Diagnosing Yeast Infections   Diagnosing Yeast Infections

Ob-Gyn Laura Corio explains why women should not try to diagnose their own yeast infection.

Watch Video: Diagnosing Yeast Infections (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Reducing Urinary Incontinence   Reducing Urinary Incontinence

Show or hide information about video: Battling Bladder Infections   Battling Bladder Infections

Show or hide information about video: New Ideas for Preventing Kidney Stones   New Ideas for Preventing Kidney Stones

Show or hide information about video: Treating Enlarged Prostate   Treating Enlarged Prostate