cardinal

Definition

Of fundamental importance; crucial, pivotal.

Etymology

From Middle French cardinal, from Latin cardinālis (“pertaining to a hinge, hence applied to that on which something turns or depends, important, principal, chief”), from cardin-, cardō (“hinge”) + -ālis, adjectival suffix.

Example Sentences

• "a cardinal rule"
• "But cardinal sins, and hollow hearts, I fear ye."
• "the cardinal intersections of the zodiack"