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seminal definition

semi·nal (sem′ə nəl)

adjective

  1. of or containing seed or semen
  2. of reproduction seminal power
  3. like seed in being a source or a first stage in development; germinal; originative a seminal book
  4. being the first or earliest of something that is later recognized as having been of primary influence a seminal jazz band
  5. of essential importance; specif.,
    1. basic; central; principal
    2. crucial; critical; pivotal

Etymology: ME < MFr < L seminalis < semen (gen. seminis), a seed

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical seminal definition - medical

seminal Synonyms

seminal

modif.

generative, primary, original, crucial, critical; see also fundamental 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

seminal Usage Examples

Preposition: in

  • development: The influence of its work on gases and vapors was to prove seminal in the development of inhalation anesthesia.

Modifies a noun

  • vesicle: The pair of seminal vesicles secrete up to 85 % of the total volume of seminal fluid.

Modifying Another Word

  • absolutely: Stanislaw Lem, an absolutely seminal sci-fi author, has died at the age of 84.

Used with adjective complement

  • prove: Remember the date, because it could just prove seminal in the history of our football club.
seminal usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"seminal." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/seminal>

APA Style

seminal. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/seminal

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