[ˈkɑːdɪnəl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals are nominated by the Pope, and form the Sacred College which elects succeeding popes (now invariably from among their own number)
(e.g: his appointment as cardinal)

- a New World songbird of the bunting family, having a stout bill and typically a conspicuous crest. The male is partly or mostly red in colour


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English, from Latin cardinalis, from cardo, cardin- ‘hinge’. cardinal has arisen through the notion of the important function of such priests as ‘pivots’ of church life

[ˈkɑːdɪnəl], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- of the greatest importance; fundamental
(e.g: two cardinal points must be borne in mind)


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English, from Latin cardinalis, from cardo, cardin- ‘hinge’. cardinal has arisen through the notion of the important function of such priests as ‘pivots’ of church life