Cardinal meaning

What does “cardinal” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“cardinal” is a noun and adjective with 6 meanings. Its most common meaning is: (Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes.

cardinal

noun

(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes
the number of elements in a mathematical set; denotes a quantity but not the order
Synonymscardinal number
a variable color averaging a vivid red
Synonymscarmine
crested thick-billed North American finch having bright red plumage in the male
Synonymscardinal grosbeak Richmondena Cardinalis Cardinalis cardinalis redbird

adjective

serving as an essential component
“a cardinal rule”
“the central cause of the problem”
Synonymscentral fundamental key primal
being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order
“cardinal numbers”
Oppositesordinal

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University

More about “cardinal”

✦Synonyms for cardinal✦Unscramble CARDINAL