Etymology From ethic + -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).
1
Human sciences, Philosophy, Sciences Of or relating to the study of ethics.
The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.
2
Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.
All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.
An angry dispute between an animal welfare charity and its former employee will be the first case in Britain to decide whether ethical veganism is a “philosophical belief” that should be afforded the same protections as religion.2018 December 3, Tara John, “Veganism could get the same legal protections as religion”, in CNN:
3
Morally approvable; good.
We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.
4
Of a drug Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
In most jurisdictions, morphine is classified as an ethical drug.
Etymology From ethic + -al, from Late Latin ethicus (“moral, ethical”), from Ancient Greek ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).
1
An ethical drug, one only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.