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.

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adjective

frontal

FRUN-tuhl/ˈfrʌntl/

Relating to or directed toward the front.

The portrait provides a frontal view of the head.

A naturally drawn human head shown directly from the front beside a small side-view outline for contrast; facial front is the central cue, no medical labels.
Etymology
frontLatinforehead, face, or front
+alLatinof, relating to

Latin frons meant both “forehead” and “front.” With the adjective ending, frontal originally referred to the forehead; the broader meaning applies the same front-of-the-body image to the front of anything.

In context

Neuroscientifically Challenged1:00
Neurons in the primary motor cortex cause movement in the head and body. The portion of the frontal lobe that’s in front of the motor cortex is called the prefrontal cortex.
Major Brain Structures and Their Functions

More examples

  • They planned a frontal approach.
  • The diagram showed the frontal surface.
  • He studied the frontal region.

Forms

frontal

Similar words

anterior
A formal anatomical word for toward the front.
forward
Directed ahead rather than located at the front.