ordinal
UK[ˈɔːdɪnl]US[ˈɔːrdənl]
adj
Relating to a position in a numbered series or order.
n
A number defining a thing's position in a series, such as 'first', 'second', or 'third'.
Morpheme Breakdown
ordin
al
ordin
order
al
relating to
Etymology
The word 'ordinal' has a direct lineage from Latin, entering English via Old French. Its core component, ordin-, originates from the Latin noun ordo, meaning a row, series, or regular arrangement, which itself may derive from a Proto-Indo-European root related to weaving or fitting together. The suffix -alis is a prolific Latin adjectival former. Thus, the literal construction 'relating to order' perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning, which specifies the numerical position of an item within a sequenced set, distinguishing it from a quantity-defining 'cardinal' number.
Analysis
Structure: ordin (order) + al (relating to)
- ordin: From Latin ordin-, the stem of ordo (order, row, series). Functions as the core root conveying the concept of sequence or arrangement.
- al: From Latin -alis, an adjectival suffix meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'. In this word, it forms an adjective from the noun root.
Examples
She finished in ordinal position seventh in the race.
"First" and "second" are examples of ordinal numbers.
The list was sorted by an ordinal ranking system.