orchestral

the word 'orchestral' is a direct derivative of 'orchestra', which entered english from latin but has its origins in ancient greek theater. the greek term 'orkhēstra' referred to the semicircular space in front of the stage where the chorus performed its dances. this space was later adopted in roman theaters and, centuries later, became the name for the group of musicians seated in that area. the suffix '-al', of latin origin, is a productive adjectival former, attaching to nouns to create adjectives meaning 'of or relating to'. thus, 'orchestral' logically evolved to mean anything pertaining to the modern ensemble of musicians that occupies the conceptual descendant of that ancient performance space.

Structure: orchestr (orchestra) + al (adjective suffix) orchestr (from latin 'orchestra', from greek 'orkhēstra', meaning the area in front of a stage where the chorus danced); al (latin adjectival suffix '-ālis', indicating pertaining to or having the nature of)