Botanical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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botanical

[bəˈtænɪkl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

related to plants

Relating to the study or use of plants in the natural world, especially in scientific research.

Synonyms

floral, herbal, plant-related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
botanical

Used in scientific or educational contexts related to the study or classification of plants.

  • She is studying botanical sciences at the university.
  • The botanical garden has a variety of rare plants.
plant-related

A general term used to describe anything associated with plants, without specificity. It's suitable for everyday conversations and casual descriptions.

  • The workshop will cover various plant-related topics.
  • They discussed different plant-related activities for the weekend.
floral

Used when referring to flowers specifically or things that resemble or are decorated with flowers.

  • She wore a beautiful floral dress to the party.
  • The room was filled with a pleasant floral fragrance.
herbal

Used when talking about plants, especially when referring to their use in medicine or cooking.

  • She prefers herbal remedies to conventional medicine.
  • You can add some herbal spices to the dish for extra flavor.

Examples of usage

  • Botanical gardens are dedicated to the cultivation and display of a wide range of plant species.
  • Botanical illustrations are often used in scientific publications to depict plant structures.
  • The botanical survey of the area revealed several rare plant species.
  • Botanical knowledge is essential for understanding ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Botanical research focuses on plant genetics and ecology.
Context #2 | Noun

a book about plants

A book containing detailed descriptions and illustrations of plants, often used for identification or educational purposes.

Synonyms

flora, herbarium, plant guide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
botanical

This term is often used in scientific or formal contexts related to the study of plants, like botanical research or botanical gardens.

  • The botanical garden features a wide variety of plant species.
  • She conducted a botanical study on medicinal herbs.
flora

This word is used to refer to the plant life in a specific region or environment, often in ecological or biological discussions.

  • The Amazon rainforest is home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • The flora of the desert includes many cacti and succulents.
plant guide

This phrase is typically used to refer to a book or manual that provides information on identifying and caring for plants, often for practical or educational purposes.

  • The plant guide helped him identify the fern growing in his garden.
  • She bought a plant guide to learn more about indoor gardening.
herbarium

This term is used to describe a collection of preserved plant samples, usually for scientific study or reference.

  • The university's herbarium contains thousands of dried plant specimens.
  • She spent hours cataloging plants in the herbarium.

Examples of usage

  • She referred to a botanical to identify the wildflowers she had found.
  • The botanical included information on the native and exotic plant species of the region.
  • Botanicals are commonly used by botanists and nature enthusiasts.
  • I bought a new botanical to learn more about the local flora.
  • The botanical is a valuable resource for students and researchers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Botanical gardens, established in the 16th century, serve as living museums for plant species and promote conservation.
  • The study of plants can reveal their medicinal properties, with many modern drugs derived from botanical sources.
  • Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, is fundamental to life on Earth.

Art

  • Botanical illustration is a unique art form that combines science and aesthetics, often used to document plant species.
  • Famous artists like Georgia O'Keeffe explored botanical themes in their paintings, transforming plants into stunning works of art.
  • Botanical art has historically contributed to scientific discovery by recording new species for future studies.

Culture

  • In many cultures, plants are symbols that hold deep meanings, often representing life, growth, and healing.
  • Folklore around plants often influences cuisines, medicines, and gardening practices unique to specific regions.
  • Various traditional healing practices around the world rely heavily on botanical knowledge to treat illnesses.

Conservation

  • Understanding botany is crucial for conservation efforts, as it helps protect endangered plant species and ecosystems.
  • The UN has designated the International Day for Biological Diversity to raise awareness about the significance of plant biodiversity.
  • Sustainable agriculture practices are rooted in botanical studies to ensure food security and ecological balance.

Origin of 'botanical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'botanical' comes from the Greek word 'botanika', meaning 'herbs' or 'plants'.
  • In the 16th century, the term was popularized in Europe as interest in plant species grew with the advent of gardening.
  • Botany, the science of plants, is a branch of biology that started gaining prominence during the Renaissance.

The word 'botanical' has its origins in the late 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'botanicus,' which means 'of plants.' The term has been used to describe anything related to plants, from botanical gardens to botanical illustrations. Over the years, the study of botany has evolved, encompassing various disciplines such as plant genetics, ecology, and taxonomy. Botanical knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding the natural world and preserving plant biodiversity.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,630, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.