-al; -ial, -eal
(Latin: suffix; pertaining to, like, of the kind of, relating to, characterized by, belonging to; action of, process of)
antibacterial (adjective) (not comparable)
Referring to something that destroys bacteria: Two common antibacterial agents are chlorine and bleach.
antiboreal (adjective) (not countable)
Pertaining to the southern hemisphere: Jack learned that some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, were antiboreal, while others, like Canada and the U.S.A. were considered to be boreal.
A substance that stops or prevents malaria: In her medical class, Susan learned that antimalarial was used effectively in the treatment of malaria, a very serious disease caused by mosquitoes.
apicial (adjective) (not comparable)
Relating to the the root of a tooth or the root tip: Dr. Small explained that Joan's apicial part of her tooth was infected and had to be treated.
apodal (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Characteristic of the condition of being footless: Example of apodal animals are snakes and eels, all naturally without feet or footlike appendages.
2. In medicine, the congenital absence of feet at birth: Unfortunately, there are some apodal people who have been born without feet or who are even legless.
2. In medicine, the congenital absence of feet at birth: Unfortunately, there are some apodal people who have been born without feet or who are even legless.
apterygial (noun) (not comparable)
In zoology, pertaining to an animal that is devoid of limbs, fins, or wings: Two examples of apterygial creatures are the eel and the snake.
arachnidial (adjective) (not comparable)
Pertaining to the Arachnida: The arachnidial creatures that were crawling along on the sand were scorpions, and so Jane thought it best to avoid them!
arachnoideal (adjective) (not comparable)
An unnecessary variant of "arachnoid", or having the appearance or texture of a spider's web: The drawing of one of the meninges in Jane's biology book was a good representation of an arachnoideal membrane which envelops the brain and spinal cord.
arboreal (adjective), more arboreal, most arboreal
1. Relating to or resembling a tree or trees: The arboreal cover in the park provided lots of shade for the picnickers.
2. Living in trees; such as, birds or animals: There are arboreal apes, gibbons, and squirrels among other arboreal creatures.
3. Adapted for life in trees: Sam and Mary discovered a variety of arboreal birds which were living in the trees down by the river.
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2. Living in trees; such as, birds or animals: There are arboreal apes, gibbons, and squirrels among other arboreal creatures.
3. Adapted for life in trees: Sam and Mary discovered a variety of arboreal birds which were living in the trees down by the river.
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arctogeal
Referring to arctic lands; such as, the arctogeal fauna (animals).
arterial
arthrodial (adjective), more arthrodial, most arthrodial
Descriptive of joints; such as, those in the spinal column which articulate between semi-flat surfaces: A common complaint among some gym users is that they have aching arthodial areas in their backs.
artificial (adjective)
1. Made by human skill; produced by humans; as, opposed to natural origins; such as, artificial flowers.
2. Imitation; simulated; sham: "Barbara used artificial vanilla flavoring when baking her cake."
3. Lacking naturalness or spontaneity; forced; contrived; feigned: "Sally greeted us with an artificial smile."
4. Full of affectation; affected; stilted; for example, artificial manners, artificial speech.
5. Made without regard to the particular needs of a situation, person, etc.; imposed arbitrarily; unnatural: "Jack thought the club presented artificial rules for membership."
6. Based on arbitrary, superficial characteristics rather than natural, organic relationships: "The botanists presented an artificial system of classification for the plants."
7. Manufactured to resemble a natural gem in jewelry, with chemical composition, and appearance.
2. Imitation; simulated; sham: "Barbara used artificial vanilla flavoring when baking her cake."
3. Lacking naturalness or spontaneity; forced; contrived; feigned: "Sally greeted us with an artificial smile."
4. Full of affectation; affected; stilted; for example, artificial manners, artificial speech.
5. Made without regard to the particular needs of a situation, person, etc.; imposed arbitrarily; unnatural: "Jack thought the club presented artificial rules for membership."
6. Based on arbitrary, superficial characteristics rather than natural, organic relationships: "The botanists presented an artificial system of classification for the plants."
7. Manufactured to resemble a natural gem in jewelry, with chemical composition, and appearance.
ascidial
Certain specialized, or abnormal, floral and foliage leaves.
asocial (adjective), more asocial, most asocial
1. Unable or unwilling to conform to normal standards of behavior with other people: Helena was a very asocial individual who always did what she wanted despite what was typically acceptable by others.
2. Inconsiderate of others and more interested in oneself than in other people: Hector’s mother was always cautioning him not to be such an asocial person when he was playing with other children on the playground.
2. Inconsiderate of others and more interested in oneself than in other people: Hector’s mother was always cautioning him not to be such an asocial person when he was playing with other children on the playground.
