noun
cardinal
A senior Roman Catholic official ranking below the pope.
The cardinal attends a meeting at the Vatican.
Etymology
Latin cardo means hinge. The idea of a pivotal or principal position entered church terminology, where cardinal became a title for a senior official central to church government.
More examples
- Several cardinals gathered for the ceremony.
- The pope appointed a new cardinal.
- The cardinal addressed the congregation.
Forms
cardinal · cardinals
Similar words
- bishop
- A church office that does not automatically carry the cardinal's rank.