SINCE 1828
botanical
adjective
bo·tan·i·cal
| \ bə-ˈta-ni-kəl
\
\
Definition of botanical
(Entry 1 of 2)
botanical
noun
plural botanicals
Definition of botanical (Entry 2 of 2)
: a substance obtained or derived from a plant: such as
a
: a plant part or extract used especially in skin and hair care products
Certain botanicals are naturals for bringing out the best in the color and condition of the hair. — Elle
b
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.— Elizabeth Weise
c
: plant material used as a flavoring agent (as in gin)
—usually plural The makeup of gin is basically neutral grain spirits flavored with juniper and other botanicals, and reduced to no less than 80 proof with water.— Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg
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Other Words from botanical
Adjective
botanically
\ bə-ˈta-ni-k(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Examples of botanical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Noteworthy botanical specimens include the Moreton Bay fig north of the Natural History Museum. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Balboa Park: San Diego’s crown jewel," 30 June 2019 Using inspiration from nature, their work is heavily influenced by botanical elements and uses classic color palettes for balance. — Angela Watercutter And Samantha Cooper, WIRED, "5 Queer People on How They Found Their Chosen Families," 28 June 2019 The painting was done en plein air (painted from life, on site) at a botanical conservatory in Toronto. — Tatum Dooley, Teen Vogue, "Artist Darby Milbrath Collaborated With Celine on an Embroidered Bomber Jacket," 27 June 2019 Given its long history in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient botanical isn't exactly a new discovery. — Paige Stables, Good Housekeeping, "Bakuchiol is 'Nature's Retinol' That Will Change Your Skin," 27 June 2019 To make matters more interesting, the botanical name of this one is Mangifera casturi. — Kenneth Setzer, sun-sentinel.com, "What is the mysterious blue mango?," 25 June 2019 With a botanical base, gin has an herbaceous vibe that fits neatly into the plant craze. — John Kell, Fortune, "Gin Sales Are Booming and It Could Be Thanks to the Growing Plant Craze," 22 June 2019 The designs, geometric abstractions and botanical patterns in candy colors, play off the natural shape and grain of the wood and highlight its imperfections. — BostonGlobe.com, "The Ticket: What’s happening in the local arts world," 21 June 2019 A few weeks more, and the plant goes through what is basically botanical puberty: a dramatic shift from its vegetable stage to its reproductive stage. — Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, "May I Recommend That You Grow Your Own Corn," 20 June 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The trend toward these natural ingredients has become so buzzy that vodka brand Ketel One last year launched a botanicals line that’s gin-ish. — John Kell, Fortune, "Gin Sales Are Booming and It Could Be Thanks to the Growing Plant Craze," 22 June 2019 There are over 12 patents on our botanicals and over 15 clinical studies. — Lisa Fogarty, Harper's BAZAAR, "Biotin Is in Every Hair Growth Pill. But Does it Even Work?," 22 May 2019 Alano said of the 2018 debut of the high-end Italian design company’s forward-looking 2018 home collection: The theme was an Eden-like paradise of vivid garden florals, bold botanicals and wildlife. — Bonnie Mccarthy, latimes.com, "Cultivating Style: The no-fail way to live with plants," 15 June 2019 Some common culprits include fragrances, preservatives, and botanicals. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "How to Care for Your Angry Skin After an Allergic Reaction on Your Face," 2 Apr. 2019 Wash it across your tongue, and let the botanicals sketch out in your mind’s eye their point of origin, each sip like liquid GPS. — Sunset, "6 Botanical Gins We’re Loving Right Now," 22 Jan. 2018 My new nighttime skin-care favorite contains peptides and botanicals to improve blood flow and reduce puffiness. — Tiffany Dodson, SELF, "Ulta Is Having a 50 Percent Off Sale on Skin-Care—Here’s Everything I Want," 18 Jan. 2019 Each product is infused with active, phytochemically rich botanicals, offering an endless range of benefits for the health of the skin. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, "Meet the Eckhaus Latta–Approved Herbalist With a Prescription for Balanced Skin and Less Stress," 4 Jan. 2019 The liquid will be made from English grapes, herbs, roots and bitter botanicals, and is aimed at consumers who want a nonalcoholic option to drink with food. — Jennifer Maloney, WSJ, "As Americans Drink Less Alcohol, Booze Makers Look Beyond the Barrel," 17 Jan. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'botanical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for botanical
botanical
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of botanical
: of or relating to plants or the study of plants
: made from or taken from plants
See the full definition for botanical in the English Language Learners Dictionary
botanical
adjective
bo·tan·i·cal
| \ bə-ˈta-ni-kəl
\
\
Kids Definition of botanical
: of or relating to the study of plants
botanical
adjective
bo·tan·i·cal
| \ bə-ˈtan-i-kəl
\
\
variants:
also botanic \ bə-ˈtan-ik
\
\
Medical Definition of botanical
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: of or relating to plants or botany
2
: derived from plants
Other Words from botanical
botanically
\ -k(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
botanical
noun
variants:
also botanic
Medical Definition of botanical (Entry 2 of 2)
: a medicinal preparation derived from a plant : herbal remedy
The popular botanical ginkgo biloba does not improve memory, nor does it prevent cognitive decline in older people, according to the largest and longest scientific study conducted on the supplement.— Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2009
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