nominal
UK[ˈnɒmɪnəl]US[ˈnɑːmɪnəl]
adj
(of a sum of money or charge) very small; far less than the normal value or cost.
adj
Existing in name only; not real or substantial.
adj
Relating to or functioning as a noun.
adj
(of a quantity or dimension) stated or expressed but not necessarily corresponding exactly to the real value.
Morpheme Breakdown
nomin
al
nomin
name
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'nominal' originates from the Latin nominalis, which is derived from nomen, meaning "name." This Latin root itself can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root \h₁nómn̥, also signifying "name." The core semantic logic is that something "nominal" pertains to or is characterized by its name. This foundational meaning branched out in English: from the grammatical sense of "pertaining to a noun" (a word that names something), to the concept of something existing "in name only" (and not in reality), and finally to the quantitative sense of a token or minimal amount that is symbolically attached to a name or title rather than representing true value.
Analysis
Structure: nomin (name) + al (adjective suffix)
nomin (from Latin nomen, meaning "name") + al (from Latin -alis, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to").
Examples
A nominal fee is charged for the service.
He remained the nominal head of the organization, but had no real authority.
In the sentence 'The quick fox', 'fox' is a nominal element.