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# for medicinal purposes

phrase (adverbial phrase: for medicinal purposes; also «purely for medicinal purposes»)

«for medicinal purposes» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (humorous euphemism) as an excuse for drinking alcohol (or eating treats), pretending it is medicine.
2. (literal) used as medicine, to treat illness: «the plant is grown for medicinal purposes».

### In the lessons

In jokes, adults say they keep whisky or chocolate «for medicinal purposes» to excuse a treat; humorous, all regions. The literal sense is formal and common in science, history and law (for example, medical uses of plants).

### Examples

- Grandad keeps a bottle of brandy "for medicinal purposes".
- "This chocolate is purely for medicinal purposes," Mum said with a wink.
- Willow bark was used for medicinal purposes long before aspirin.
- The herb garden grows plants for medicinal purposes.
- He claims the hot toddy is strictly for medicinal purposes.
- In the old Western, the cowboy carries whiskey "for medicinal purposes".
- Some plants are poisonous and must never be used for medicinal purposes without a doctor.
- The monks grew mint and sage for medicinal purposes.

### Note

Trap: said with a wink, it is an excuse, not medicine. In science and history it is literal. Never take any plant or drink as medicine without an adult or doctor. «Medicinal» = used as medicine.