galenical

American  

[gey-len-i-kuhl, guh-] / geɪˈlɛn ɪ kəl, gə- /

noun

1. an herb or other vegetable drug, distinguished from a mineral or chemical drug.

2. a crude drug, tincture, or decoction, distinguished from a preparation that has been refined.

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adjective

1. galenic.

2. (initial capital letter) Galenic.

3. Galenic.

galenical British  

/ ɡeɪˈlɛnɪkəl, ɡə- /

noun

1. any drug prepared from plant or animal tissue, esp vegetables, rather than being chemically synthesized

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adjective

1. denoting or belonging to this group of drugs

Etymology

Origin of galenical

First recorded in 1645–55; Galenic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Galenical decoctions, to which I may properly compare an epic poem, have more of body in them; they work by their substance and their weight.

From Discourses on Satire and on Epic Poetry by Dryden, John

The older writers on India fancied that the Hindoo system of medicine was of enormous antiquity, and that the principles of Galenical medical science were ultimately derived from India.

From Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official by Sleeman, William

The Preparations of the Cortex, both Galenical and Chymical, have not succeeded.

From The Natural History of Chocolate Being a Distinct and Particular Account of the Cocoa-Tree, its Growth and Culture, and the Preparation, Excellent Properties, and Medicinal Vertues of its Fruit by Brookes, R. (Richard), fl. 1721-1763