CARDINAL Meaning and
Definition
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Cardinal is a term with multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. As a noun, cardinal refers to a high-ranking ecclesiastical official in the Catholic church, appointed by the Pope and who holds positions of great authority and responsibility. Cardinals are involved in electing a new Pope and advising the current Pope on matters of doctrine and governance within the Church.
Additionally, the word cardinal can be used as an adjective to describe something that is essential, crucial, or of central importance. It signifies the most important or fundamental aspect of a particular subject or matter. For example, in mathematics, cardinal numbers represent the concept of quantity or the size of a set. In logic, it refers to a type of number that represents a measure of the relationship between two sets.
In the natural world, cardinal can also refer to a species of songbird belonging to the family Cardinalidae, commonly found in North and South America. These birds are known for their vibrant red plumage, which distinguishes them and makes them easily recognizable.
Furthermore, cardinal can describe something that is synonymous with the color red, signifying vibrancy or intensity. It is often used to describe a color that is bright, vivid, and bold.
Overall, cardinal encompasses various meanings, including a high-ranking religious official, an adjective denoting importance or centrality, a species of bird, and a bright shade of red.
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1. Of special importance. 2. Of a deep-red, nearly scarlet, color.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• That on which other things turn; chief; principal; fundamental.
• A dignitary of the R. Cath. Ch. next in rank to the Pope.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CARDINAL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CARDINAL
Etymology of CARDINAL
The word "cardinal" has its origins in the Latin word "cardinalis", meaning "principal" or "chief".
In ancient Rome, the term "cardinalis" was used to describe the hinge or pivotal point of a door. From there, it evolved to refer to something of central importance or significance.
In the context of the Catholic Church, the word "cardinal" began to be used in the 9th century to refer to the important clergymen who were appointed by the Pope to serve in the College of Cardinals. These cardinals were considered to be the principal advisors to the Pope, and their role became increasingly influential over time.
The term "cardinal" eventually came to be used in a broader sense to refer to something of fundamental importance or essential nature.
Similar spelling words for CARDINAL
- cardinal-bishop,
- croton oil,
- caradine,
- gardenalia,
- carotin,
- cardone,
- cardenal,
- CROTONYL-S-ACP,
- cardinal-abbot,
- cardinali,
- Cardinal-bird,
- cardona,
- coordinal,
- curtainwall,
- cardinal-infante,
- Groutnol,
- cardium,
- carotenal,
- crotonol,
- guardinal,
- cardinal-priest,
- quartonol,
- kardinal,
- cardenas,
- cardinal-grosbeak,
- Cardin,
- Cardon,
- Gardenly,
- cordial,
- cardinale,
- cardanol,
- crown-cardinal,
- cardinally,
- cardinalate,
- cardamine,
- cardinal-points,
- Gardenal,
- cardinal-flower,
- carting,
- cardinal-virtues,
- cardinal-nephew,
- Carden,
- cardoon,
- courtnall.
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