rhizoverbBeta
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.

10 / 291
noun / adjective

animal

AN-ih-mul/ˈænɪml/

A living organism that feeds on other organic matter.

The alert animal stands on four paws with its ears raised.

A clearly recognizable living rabbit, alert on all four paws with one ear turned and its nose raised, provides a simple concrete example of an animal.
Etymology
animLatinbreath, soul
+alLatinof, relating to

Breath supplies the original image: the Latin formation meant a living or breathing being. The noun thus named a sentient creature, including a human.

In context

Wendigoon13:09
the animal is a tireless traveler when looking for food
The Fearsome Critters of American Mythology

More examples

  • The biologist observes how the animals search for food.
  • Fear awakens a basic animal instinct to flee.
  • The report compares plant and animal cells.

Forms

animal · animals

Similar words

creature
A less technical term that can include imaginary beings.
organism
Broader; includes plants and other living things outside the animal group.