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

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

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.
  • white: The blond haired actress represents the woman of Harry's dreams, beautiful, young, ageless and dressed in virginal white.
  • purity: Trinity Bards and Oxford Reviewers by Richard Schulze; A lament for the lack of virginal purity among Byron Society lags.
  • woman: Neither of these virginal women feature directly in this story, yet their shadow is strongly felt in it.
  • state: Breaking the bread was seen as the breaking of the bride's virginal state and to assert his dominance over her.
  • womb: The Spirit that sanctified the human nature of Jesus in Mary's virginal womb ( cf.

Modifying Another Word

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