botanical
UK[bəˈtænɪkəl]US[bəˈtænɪkəl]
adj
relating to plants or the scientific study of plants.
n
a substance obtained from a plant and used in products such as medicines and cosmetics.
Morpheme Breakdown
botan
ical
botan
plant
ical
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'botanical' has its roots in ancient greek, where 'botanē' referred broadly to plants, herbs, and pastures. this term passed into latin as 'botanicus' and later into modern scientific languages. the suffix '-ical', of latin origin via french, was appended to form the adjective, creating a term that literally means 'pertaining to plants'. this etymological path reflects the word's journey from a general ancient term for vegetation to its precise modern usage in the scientific and commercial spheres.
Analysis
Structure: botan (plant) + ical (adjective-forming suffix)
botan originates from the greek word 'botanē', meaning plant or herb. ical is an english suffix derived from latin '-icalis', used to form adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to'.
Examples
the university has a renowned botanical garden.
she has a deep interest in botanical illustrations.
this skincare product contains natural botanicals.