# water memory

**Pronunciation:** /ˈwɔːtər ˈmɛməri/ · WAW-ter MEM-uh-ree

**CEFR level:** C2

**Part of speech:** noun phrase

## Meaning

A controversial hypothesis, central to homeopathy, that water retains a 'memory' of substances once dissolved in it, even after extreme dilution to the point where no molecules of the original substance remain. It is not accepted by mainstream science due to lack of reproducible evidence.

## Examples

- The concept of water memory is often cited to explain how homeopathic remedies work despite being diluted beyond Avogadro's number.
- Critics argue that water memory has never been reliably demonstrated in controlled experiments.
- Proponents of water memory suggest that the structure of water changes in response to solutes, but this remains unproven.

## Synonyms

- homeopathic memory
- structural memory
- imprint

## Common patterns

- the concept of water memory — The idea that water retains information from dissolved substances. — The concept of water memory is central to homeopathic theory.
- water memory hypothesis — The scientific hypothesis proposing water memory. — The water memory hypothesis has been tested in numerous studies.
- evidence for water memory — Scientific evidence supporting water memory. — Evidence for water memory remains anecdotal and unreplicated.

## Collocations

- water memory effect — The water memory effect is often invoked to explain homeopathic dilutions.
- claim of water memory — The claim of water memory has been met with skepticism by the scientific community.
- water memory controversy — The water memory controversy highlights the divide between mainstream science and alternative medicine.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/water%20memory

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