cardinal

noun

crested thick-billed North American finch having bright red plumage in the male

a variable color averaging a vivid red

the number of elements in a mathematical set

(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes

adjective

being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order

serving as an essential component

Roots

cardocardin- · Latin · hinge

Synonyms for cardinal

prelaten carminen

Synonyms & related words for cardinal

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of cardinal — including prelate, carmine. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to cardinal

Explore words related to cardinal — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include octodecillion, vigintillion, novemdecillion, duodecillion, redbird, cardinally, cardinalship, duodecillionth. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for cardinal

Common synonyms for cardinal include prelate, carmine — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does cardinal come from?

The word cardinal breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root cardin-, from Latin cardo (“hinge”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.