botanical

[ buh-tan-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. Also bo·tan·ic []. of, pertaining to, made from, or containing plants:

   botanical survey;

   botanical drugs.

noun

1. Pharmacology. a drug made from part of a plant, as from roots, leaves, bark, or berries.

botanical

/ ˌbəˈtænɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to botany or plants

noun

1. any drug or pesticide that is made from parts of a plant

Derived Forms

• boˈtanically, adverb

Other Words From

• bo·tan·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·bo·tan·ic adjective
• non·bo·tan·i·cal adjective
• non·bo·tan·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·bo·tan·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of botanical¹

1650–60; botanic (< Medieval Latin botanicus < Greek botanikós of plants, equivalent to botán ( ē ) herb + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of botanical¹

C17: from Medieval Latin botanicus , from Greek botanikos relating to plants, from botanē plant, pasture, from boskein to feed; perhaps related to Latin bōs ox, cow

Example Sentences

The Bronx native is draped in 2 million beads, symbolizing a graceful butterfly in line with the botanical theme but also looking as intricate as her wildly, disorienting “This Is Me Now” musical film.

From Salon

Inside is a lush, lurid botanical expanse of plants, trees and fungi, species that have never before been seen.

From New York Times

Honey is a complex sugar-based syrup that includes floral or botanical flavors and aromas.

From Salon

Some confectioners infuse their candying syrup with botanicals, like bay leaves, rosemary or peppercorns, for added intrigue.

From Salon

After an accident leaves Daphne with an injured finger, she begins a botanical transformation like that of her mythological namesake.

From New York Times

Related Words

• agricultural
• floral
• horticultural