cardinal
noun
[ ˈkɑːd(ɪ)n(ə)l ]
• a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals are nominated by the Pope, and form the Sacred College which elects succeeding popes (now invariably from among their own number).
• "his appointment as cardinal"
• a New World songbird of the bunting family, having a stout bill and typically a conspicuous crest. The male is partly or mostly red in colour.
cardinal
adjective
• of the greatest importance; fundamental.
• "two cardinal points must be borne in mind"
Similar:
fundamental,
basic,
main,
chief,
primary,
prime,
principal,
premier,
first,
leading,
capital,
paramount,
pre-eminent,
important,
major,
foremost,
top,
topmost,
greatest,
highest,
key,
essential,
vital,
crucial,
intrinsic,
integral,
elemental,
rudimentary,
root,
radical,
Origin:
Old English, from Latin cardinalis, from cardo, cardin- ‘hinge’. cardinal (sense 1 of the noun) has arisen through the notion of the important function of such priests as ‘pivots’ of church life.
