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principal

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Principal is someone or something that holds the highest rank. (noun)

An example of principal is the person in charge at a school.
An example of principal is the head of a research project.

See principal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

first in rank, authority, importance, degree, etc.
that is or has to do with principal ()

noun

a principal person or thing; specif.,
1. a chief; head
2. a governing or presiding officer, specif. of a school
3. a main actor or performer
4. either of the combatants in a duel
1. any of the main end rafters of a roof, supporting the purlins
2. a roof truss
Finance
1. the amount of a debt, investment, etc. minus the interest, or on which interest is computed
2. the face value of a stock or bond
3. the main body of an estate, etc., as distinguished from income
Law
1. a person who employs another to act as his agent
2. the person primarily responsible for an obligation
3. a person who commits a crime or is present as an abettor to it
Music
1. any of the principal open stops of an organ
2. the soloist in a concert
3. the first player of any section of orchestral instruments except the first violins
4. the subject of a fugue

Related Forms:

principally adverb
principalship noun

See principal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(prĭnˈsə-pəl)

adjective

First, highest, or foremost in importance, rank, worth, or degree; chief. See Synonyms at chief.
Of, relating to, or being financial principal, or a principal in a financial transaction.

noun

One who holds a position of presiding rank, especially the head of an elementary school or high school.
A main participant in a situation.
A person having a leading or starring role.
a. The capital or main body of an estate or financial holding as distinguished from the interest or revenue from it.
b. A sum of money owed as a debt, upon which interest is calculated.
Law
a. A person who empowers another to act as his or her representative.
b. The person having prime responsibility for an obligation as distinguished from one who acts as surety or as an endorser.
c. One who commits or is an accomplice to a crime.
Architecture Either of a pair of inclined timbers forming the sides of a triangular truss for a pitched roof.

Related Forms:

prinˈci·pal·ly adverb

prinˈci·pal·shipˌ noun

Usage Note: Principal and principle are often confused but have no meanings in common. Principle is only a noun and usually refers to a rule or standard. Principal is both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it has specialized meanings in law and finance, but in general usage it refers to a person who holds a high position or plays an important role: a meeting among all the principals in the transaction. As an adjective it has the sense of “chief” or “leading”: The coach's principal concern is the quarterback's health.

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