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

Renowned for nutritional and medicinal properties, these tiny superfoods resemble blueberries. —AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024

His love for cannabis isn’t just about getting high—Nelson believes in its medicinal benefits, particularly for pain management and mental health. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024

What to try: Laphroaig 10 Year is an Islay staple, known for its powerful aroma of smoke, seaweed, and medicinal notes. —Emily Price, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Nettle as a medicinal plant—the benefits and the risks Thinking about adding stinging nettle into your diet too? —Katharina Walser, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing medicinal

• 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