medicinal
UK: /məˈdɪsɪn(ə)l/ | US: /məˈdɪsən(ə)l/
adj. relating to or having the properties of medicine
adj. used in the treatment or prevention of disease
medicinal = medic<healing> + inal<adjective suffix>
- medic: From Latin medicus (physician, healing), derived from mederi (to heal). Retains the core meaning of medical treatment.
- inal: A suffix forming adjectives, often from nouns (e.g., original, marginal), indicating relational or functional qualities.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin medicinalis, combining medicus (healing) with the adjectival suffix -alis. It entered Middle English via Old French, preserving its association with therapeutic properties. The morphemes reflect a direct link between "healing" (medic) and the adjective form (inal), emphasizing its role in describing curative substances or practices.
The plant has long been valued for its medicinal properties.
She studied the medicinal uses of herbs in traditional cultures.
Honey is a natural medicinal remedy for sore throats.
The government regulates the production of medicinal drugs.
Ancient texts describe the medicinal benefits of this root.