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

… a medicinal phrase that he would repeat … in all moments of adversity …

—W. B. Yeats

medicinal noun

medicinally

mə-ˈdis-nə-lē 

-ˈdi-sᵊn-ə-lē;

adverb

Synonyms of medicinal

• drug
• medicine
• medication
• remedy
• cure

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

In a small, domed stone or clay structure, heated volcanic rocks, medicinal herbs, and water create steam, which is believed to cleanse toxins, improve circulation, and provide a spiritual connection to nature. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

The tone of the instructions and accompanying advice ranges from the plausibly medicinal to the frankly magical. —Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026

Garlic Garlic, commonly used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, contains allicin—a compound believed to help lower cholesterol production in the liver. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026

The guides specialize in different areas (Zwa is a leopard expert, while Moses is a local healer well versed in medicinal plants) and readily share their knowledge on hikes and game drives. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026

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