Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

medicinal

American  
[muh-dis-uh-nl] / məˈdɪs ə nl /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or having the properties of a medicine; curative; remedial.

    medicinal properties; medicinal substances.

  2. unpalatable; disagreeable.

    a medicinal taste.


medicinal British  
/ mɛˈdɪsɪnəl /

adjective

  1. relating to or having therapeutic properties

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a medicinal substance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • medicinally adverb
  • nonmedicinal adjective
  • nonmedicinally adverb
  • semimedicinal adjective
  • unmedicinal adjective
  • unmedicinally adverb

Etymology

Origin of medicinal

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word medicīnālis. See medicine, -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wellness influencers and regular people alike started adopting traditional Chinese medicinal practices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Indigenous people and Spanish settlers utilized the viscous goo for medicinal purposes and waterproofing boats.

From Los Angeles Times

I take a deep breath and smell something medicinal and woodsy.

From Literature

Another problem, he adds, is that many people in rural India still rely on faith healers or local medicinal practices and go to hospitals only when their symptoms worsen, which can be lethal.

From BBC

It was first used mainly for medicinal purposes before becoming a widely enjoyed daily drink.

From Science Daily