virginal
|vir/gi/nal|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈvɜrdʒɪnəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈvɜːdʒɪnəl/
pure, untouched
Etymology
Etymology Information
'virginal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'virginalis,' where 'virgo' meant 'virgin.'
Historical Evolution
'virginalis' transformed into the Old French word 'virginal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'virginal.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'pertaining to a virgin,' but over time it evolved to include the meaning of 'pure or untouched.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small keyboard instrument of the harpsichord family, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.
She played a beautiful melody on the virginal.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41