adjective
medicinal
muh-DIS-uh-nuhl/məˈdɪsɪnl/
Having healing properties or used to treat illness.
The sick man measures a medicinal syrup into the spoon.
Etymology
Built on medicina, meaning both the healing art and a remedy, medicinal describes something in terms of its healing properties or suitability for treatment.
In context
The Baobab tree has many medicinal uses the bark leaves and fruit of the tree are used to treat a variety of ailments including diarrhea constipation and fever
More examples
- This plant has a long history of medicinal use.
- The cream contains medicinal ingredients that relieve itching.
- Researchers are studying the mushroom's possible medicinal benefits.
Forms
medicinal
medicine noun — A substance used to prevent or treat illness.
medicinally adverb — For the purpose of treating illness.
Similar words
- therapeutic
- Emphasizes treatment or recovery, including methods beyond medicines.
- curative
- Specifically suggests curing illness rather than merely easing symptoms.