Word Study
ordinal
CIDE DICTIONARY
ordinal, a. [L. ordinalis, fr. ordo, ordinis, order. See Order.].
- Indicating order or succession; as, the ordinal numbers, first, second, third, etc. Contrasted to
cardinal . [1913 Webster] - Of or pertaining to an order. [1913 Webster]
ordinal, n.
- A word or number denoting order or succession. [1913 Webster]
- The book of forms for making, ordaining, and consecrating bishops, priests, and deacons. [1913 Webster]
- A book containing the rubrics of the Mass. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ordinal, n. & adj.
--n.
1 (in full ordinal number) a number defining a thing's position in a series, e.g. 'first', 'second', 'third', etc. (cf. CARDINAL).
2 Eccl. a service-book, esp. one with the forms of service used at ordinations.
--adj.
1 a of or relating to an ordinal number. b defining a thing's position in a series etc.
2 Biol. of or concerning an order (see ORDER n. 8).
--n.
1 (in full ordinal number) a number defining a thing's position in a series, e.g. 'first', 'second', 'third', etc. (cf. CARDINAL).
2 Eccl. a service-book, esp. one with the forms of service used at ordinations.
--adj.
1 a of or relating to an ordinal number. b defining a thing's position in a series etc.
2 Biol. of or concerning an order (see ORDER n. 8).
Etymology
ME f. LL ordinalis & med.L ordinale neut. f. L (as ORDER)
THESAURUS
ordinal
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