virginal Hear it!

virginal1 definition

vir·ginal (-jə nəl)

adjective

  1. of, characteristic of, or proper to a virgin; maidenly
  2. remaining in a state of virginity
  3. pure; fresh; untouched; unsullied
  4. Zool. not fertilized

Etymology: OFr < L virginalis

virginal2 definition

vir·ginal (-jə nəl)

noun

a harpsichord; esp., a small, rectangular harpsichord of the 16th cent., placed on a table or held in the lap to be played
also called pair of virginals

Etymology: prob. akin to virginal: reason for name obscure

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

virginal Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • century: The paper will discuss both of the instruments, and show the similarities and differences to the dated English virginals of the mid-seventeenth century.

Adjective modifier

  • English: The paper will discuss both of the instruments, and show the similarities and differences to the dated English virginals of the mid-seventeenth century.

Modifies a noun

  • conception: First, we are of course speak ing of the virginal conception of Jesus, not, strictly, of the " virgin birth.

Modifying Another Word

  • not: The birth of Isaac, although not virginal, provides some clue to the unique supernatural character of Jesus ' birth.
virginal 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.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

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

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

APA Style

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

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

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment