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

• healing
• restorative
• remedial
• therapeutic
• healthful
• curative

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

Some even eat loquats raw, not only for their addictive taste, but also for medicinal purposes. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025

It is often sold in the form of lotions, oils and edibles for medicinal purposes. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 20 June 2025

Finish: That medicinal, meaty Laphroaig smoke goes on for days. —Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

In the United States, for instance, nearly 40 states have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, and 23 states have taken the step of legalizing recreational use. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing medicinal

• medicinal leech

Rhymes for medicinal

• officinal

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