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.

246 / 291
adjective

seminal

SEM-ih-nul/ˈsemɪnl/

Associated with reproductive seed.

The seminal fluid contains sperm cells.

A magnified view of seminal fluid shows sperm cells.
Etymology
seminLatinseed
+alLatinof, relating to

Originally 'relating to seed,' seminal became figurative for something primary and full of possibilities. An influential work is thus like a seed from which later ideas or developments grow.

In context

Allie Beth Stuckey21:47
we understood our homosexuality through uh the lens of a at that point um iconic lesbian poet named Adrienne Rich who wrote uh a a fairly seminal article called uh um compulsory heterosexuality and lesbian existence.
Former Lesbian Activist Calls “Soft” Christians to Repentance | Guest: Rosaria Butterfield | Ep 796

More examples

  • The lab measures the volume of seminal fluid.
  • Seminal proteins help support sperm after ejaculation.
  • The test detects traces of seminal fluid on the fabric.

Forms

seminal

semen noun — Fluid containing sperm released during ejaculation.

Similar words

reproductive
Refers broadly to reproduction, not specifically to semen or seed.
spermatic
Relates specifically to sperm or the structures that carry it.