DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

15 / 291
adjective

astral

Relating to stars or outer space.

The viewing circle frames an astral scene of distant stars.

A small cluster of realistic distant stars and one luminous stellar disk is framed by a restrained astronomy viewing circle; select the relating-to-stars sense, no unverified spiritual plane.
Etymology

Latin astrum means star, and the ending makes an adjective. Astral describes things belonging to the stars or, more broadly, the space in which they are found.

More examples

  • The poem is filled with astral imagery.
  • An astral map covers the observatory's ceiling.
  • The painting combines earthly landscapes with astral forms.

Similar words

stellar
More specifically relates to stars rather than outer space generally.
celestial
Can refer to heavenly bodies or, in another sense, heaven.