cardinal Definition

cardinal
noun

1. RC Church.
One of a group of leading clergy, who elect and advise the pope.
2. A cardinal number. See also ordinal 3.
3. Either of two species of N American songbird, so called because the plumage of the male is bright red.
4. A bright red colour.

Form: cardinal red (also)

adj

1. Highly important; principal.

Thesaurus: fundamental, principal, primary, key, vital, core, basic, essential, elementary, central, leading, main, paramount, first.

Etymology: 12c: from Latin cardinalis relating to a hinge, from cardo hinge.