What term refers to a substance that can be used to prevent, diagnose, alleviate, treat, or cure a disease?

The term "medication" is used to refer to any substance that can be employed for various purposes related to health care, including preventing, diagnosing, alleviating, treating, or curing diseases. Medications can come in many forms, such as pills, liquids, ointments, and injections, and are essential in the management of both acute and chronic health conditions. They can target specific ailments or provide symptomatic relief, and their effectiveness is typically backed by clinical research and regulatory standards.

In contrast, the other terms do not encapsulate the same broad functionality. "Condition" describes a state of health or illness but does not refer to a substance. "Diagnosis" pertains to the identification of a disease or condition based on signs and symptoms rather than a treatment. "Prescription" is a directive from a healthcare provider to dispense medication, but on its own, it does not imply the treatment purpose or capability of the substance involved. Thus, the term "medication" is the most comprehensive and relevant choice for describing a substance utilized in the context of health management and disease treatment.