medicinal

adjective

me·​dic·​i·​nal

mə-ˈdis-nəl,

-ˈdi-sᵊn-əl 

 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

: salutary

medicinal noun

medicinally

mə-ˈdis-nə-lē 

-ˈdi-sᵊn-ə-lē;

adverb

Synonyms

• cure
• drug
• medicament
• medication
• medicine
• pharmaceutical
• physic
• remedy
• specific

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

Drying sweet grass and other native medicinal plants hung in bundles from the pipes and walls or tucked into ceramic baskets subtly perfume the air. —Briana Miller | , oregonlive, 11 Sep. 2023

And with the growing number of states starting medicinal or recreational cannabis programs, the chasm between state and federal regulation is growing. —Theara Coleman, The Week, 7 Sep. 2023

Some have pointed out that Marylanders participating in the illicit or medicinal markets have consumed marijuana and tried to drive long before July 1. —Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 5 Sep. 2023

On the other hand, Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023

The monastery garden still has its medicinal herbs. —Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023

The global cannabis industry is undergoing a transformative phase, as countries across the globe embrace the medicinal and adult-use potential of the plant. —Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2023

Tulsi/Holy Basil: Known for its medicinal benefits, this herb packs a flavorful punch with notes of clove, anise, and peppery spice. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023

But here's the surprising part: CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, while Ashwagandha comes from a medicinal herb. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing medicinal

• medicinal leech

• medicinal leech

Kids Definition

medicinal

adjective

me·​dic·​i·​nal mə-ˈdis-nəl 

-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 

: of, relating to, or being medicine : tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain

medicinally

-ē 

adverb

medicinal

2 of 2 noun

: a medicinal substance : medicine