nominal
Meaning
(of a sum of money or charge) very small; far less than the normal value or cost.
Existing in name only; not real or substantial.
Relating to or functioning as a noun.
(of a quantity or dimension) stated or expressed but not necessarily corresponding exactly to the real value.
Structure
Usage
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.
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
nomin (from Latin nomen, meaning "name") + al (from Latin -alis, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to").