Nostradamus

== English == === Etymology 1 === Michel de Nostredame's surname is one that honors Saint Mary (Our Lady). More details (if desired) are available at Nostradamus § Childhood. ==== Proper noun ==== Nostradamus A French astrologer and author of prophecies who lived in the early 1500s. (by extension) Someone who makes accurate prophecies. ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === 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. ==== Noun ==== Nostradamus (plural Nostradamuses) (dated) Any quack doctor or charlatan. ===== See also ===== == Latin == === Etymology === From French de Nostredame + Latin -us. === Pronunciation === (Classical Latin) IPA(key): [nɔsˈtra.da.mʊs] (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): [nosˈtraː.da.mus] === Proper noun === Nostradamus m sg (genitive Nostradamī); second declension (New Latin) a surname from French — famously held by: Michel de Nostredame (1503–1566), French astrologer, apothecary, physician, and reputed seer. ==== Declension ==== Second-declension noun, singular only.