definitional

The word 'definitional' is a modern English formation built upon the established noun 'definition'. The noun itself traces back to Latin 'definitio', derived from the verb 'definire' meaning 'to limit, determine, or explain'. 'Definire' is composed of 'de-' (completely) and 'finire' (to bound, limit), from 'finis' (boundary, end). The suffix '-al' is a productive adjectival suffix in English, borrowed from Latin '-alis'. Therefore, 'definitional' literally means 'relating to the act of setting boundaries or limits', which evolved into its modern sense of pertaining to the statement of the precise meaning of a word or concept.

Structure: definition (act of defining) + al (adjective suffix) - definition: From Latin 'definitio' (a bounding, determining, defining). In this word, it functions as the core noun base. - al: A suffix of Latin origin ('-alis') used to form adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.