English Reference

Word

botanical

Phoneticsbotan·i·cal

US/bəˈtænɪkəɫ/

UK/bətˈænɪkəl/

Definitions

01related to plant science

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Academic

adj. relating to the scientific study of plants.

adj. pertaining to the science of botany or the biological study of plant life.

“The city is famous for its beautiful botanical gardens.”

“The university's botanical collection contains rare specimens gathered from across the tropical archipelago during the nineteenth century.”

Synonyms

02plant-based substance

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a substance or ingredient that comes from a plant, often used in medicine or cooking.

n. a substance, such as an extract or essential oil, derived from a plant source for use in pharmacology, cosmetics, or food production.

“This gin is flavoured with a secret mix of botanical ingredients.”

“The skincare formula relies on potent botanicals rather than synthetic chemicals to soothe sensitive skin.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Among the species they transported from the Caribbean to Europe was the peacock flower, where it became a favored ornamental plant in botanical gardens.”
JSTOR Daily 29 Jul 2026
“Researchers were surprised to find that the charcoal contained greater plant diversity than other botanical remains recovered from the site, including seeds, fruits, and unburned wood.”
ScienceDaily 15 Jul 2026

Etymology

From botany + -ical.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

botanical(C1)

Domains

CookingMedicine

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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