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 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 See More

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 4 Oct. 2023.

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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