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
1
: tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain
a medicinal compound
the plant's medicinal properties
used for medicinal purposes
2
medicinal noun
medicinally
mə-ˈdis-nə-lē How to pronounce medicinal (audio)
-ˈdi-sᵊn-ə-lē;
adverb

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 There are five blocks full of vendors selling numerous things like medicinal powders and tinctures, handmade leather bags and wallets, plants, flowers, jewelry and books. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 One day, Thomas’ quiet life is upended when his research finds potentially fatal bacteria in the public baths, which draw flocks of tourists for their medicinal properties. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 Then strain the herbs out with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, leaving you with a medicinal vinegar. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024 Miller argues that most medicinal users, as well as those who may soon grow for personal recreational use, are far more likely to respect properties – and living environments – by using responsible practices to control water use, humidity and odor. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Ancient texts, including passages from fourth-century-B.C.E. Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who was writing contemporaneously to the Etruscan era, speak of the skills of Etruscans in the use of medicinal plants. Elizabeth Heath, Discover Magazine, 17 Feb. 2024 Connecting the dish to Chinese medicinal values of dispersing inner heat, Lee says eating tang yuan is beneficial in all seasons, hot and cold. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024 City Council members will vote Tuesday night on whether to adopt an ordinance that would tightly control medicinal cannabis deliveries within city limits. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Notably, cannabis has legal status for medicinal use in 38 states and for recreational purposes in 24 states. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'medicinal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near medicinal

Cite this Entry

“Medicinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medicinal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
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 adverb

medicinal

2 of 2 noun
: a medicinal substance : medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on medicinal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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