medicinal

adjective

me·​dic·​i·​nal
mə-ˈdis-nəl,
-ˈdi-sᵊn-əl How to pronounce medicinal (audio)
 in Shakespeare & Milton  ˌme-di-ˈsī-nᵊl,
 &  ˈmed-sə-nəl
Synonyms of medicinalnext
1
: tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain
a medicinal compound
the plant's medicinal properties
used for medicinal purposes
2
: salutary
medicinal noun
medicinally
mə-ˈdis-nə-lē How to pronounce medicinal (audio)
-ˈdi-sᵊn-ə-lē;
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of medicinal in a Sentence

This drug is to be used only for medicinal purposes. even in Roman times the hot mineral springs of Bath, England, were believed to possess medicinal properties
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rosemary oil, as well as its leaves, is often used for medicinal reasons. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 Today, this sprawling organic farm is a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture, producing everything from vibrant heirloom tomatoes and lettuce varieties to medicinal herbs and fruits. — Chelsea Frank, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Along the way, learn about the edible, medicinal and cultural uses of native plants. — Jake Richardson, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025 Aloe vera finds its way into the herb garden by way of its medicinal properties. — Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for medicinal

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of medicinal was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing medicinal

Rhymes for medicinal

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Browse Nearby Words

medicinal
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Cite this Entry

“Medicinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medicinal. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

medicinal

adjective
me·​dic·​i·​nal mə-ˈdis-nəl How to pronounce medicinal (audio)
-ᵊn-əl
: tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain
medicinally
-ē
adverb

Medical Definition

medicinal

1 of 2 adjective
me·​dic·​i·​nal mə-ˈdis-nəl, -ᵊn-əl How to pronounce medicinal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being medicine : tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain
medicinally
-ē How to pronounce medicinal (audio)
adverb

medicinal

2 of 2 noun
: a medicinal substance : medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on medicinal

Nglish: Translation of medicinal for Spanish Speakers

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