The word "frontal" is spelled with six letters and has two syllables. It is pronounced /ˈfrʌntl/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "f" is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, and the "r" is pronounced as an alveolar approximant. The "o" is a short vowel sound pronounced as an open-mid back rounded vowel, and the "a" is pronounced as an open back unrounded vowel. Finally, the "t" is a voiceless alveolar stop, followed by the silent "l".
Frontal is an adjective that refers to something related to the front, usually the front part of the body or an object. It can also describe an activity that occurs at the beginning or the first part of a process. Additionally, frontal is used to describe someone who is direct and forthright in their manner, often being honest and not hiding their thoughts or intentions.
In anatomy, frontal pertains to the forehead or the front part of the skull. It is associated with structures that are positioned towards the front, such as the frontal lobe, located at the front of the brain, responsible for executive functions, decision-making, and personality traits. Additionally, in facial features, frontal refers to elements that are found at the front of the face, like the frontal bone or frontal sinus.
Frontal can also describe a weather system or battle formation. In meteorology, it refers to a boundary where contrasting air masses meet, typically resulting in weather changes, such as storms or precipitation. In military terms, frontal denotes approaching an enemy head-on, or an attack strategy focused on the front line, as opposed to flanking or other forms of attack.
Furthermore, frontal can describe a style of speaking or behavior that is direct and straightforward. It implies being open and transparent, expressing opinions or intentions boldly without much reservation or ambiguity. This attribute can be used to describe individuals who are honest, frank, or candid in their communication with others.
1. In front, relating to the anterior part of a body. 2. Relating to the forehead.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Pert. to or connected with the forehead.
• A small pediment over a door or window.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "frontal" has its origins in the Latin word "frontālis", which is derived from "frons" meaning "forehead" or "brow". In Latin, "frontālis" referred to something relating to the forehead or front of the head. The term eventually evolved to be used in a broader sense to describe anything relating to the front or forefront of something.