snake oil

/ˌsneɪk ˈɔɪl/
IPA guide

Other forms: snake oils

Definitions of snake oil
  1. noun
    (medicine) any of various liquids sold as medicine (as by a travelling medicine show) but medically worthless
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    type of:
    liquid
    a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure
  2. noun
    communication (written or spoken) intended to deceive
    synonyms: humbug
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    type of:
    deceit, deception, misrepresentation
    a misleading falsehood
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