Cardinal: meaning, definitions and examples
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cardinal
[ ˈkɑːrdɪnl ]
mathematics
A cardinal number is a number that represents the size of a set, or a quantity that is used to count the elements in a set. In mathematics, cardinal numbers are used to answer the question 'how many?'
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Can you tell me the cardinal number of this set?
- The cardinality of the set is the same as the number of elements in it.
religion
A cardinal is a high-ranking official in the Roman Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope to assist him in governing the Church. Cardinals are usually bishops and are known for their distinctive red robes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The conclave of cardinals will gather to elect the new Pope.
- The cardinal gave a sermon at the cathedral.
Translations
Translations of the word "cardinal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cardeal
🇮🇳 कार्डिनल (kaardinal)
🇩🇪 Kardinal
🇮🇩 kardinal
🇺🇦 кардинал
🇵🇱 kardynał
🇯🇵 枢機卿 (sūkikyō)
🇫🇷 cardinal
🇪🇸 cardenal
🇹🇷 kardinal
🇰🇷 추기경 (chugigyeong)
🇸🇦 كاردينال (kardinal)
🇨🇿 kardinál
🇸🇰 kardinál
🇨🇳 红衣主教 (hóng yī zhǔ jiào)
🇸🇮 kardinal
🇮🇸 kardínáli
🇰🇿 кардинал
🇬🇪 კარდინალი (k'ardinali)
🇦🇿 kardinal
🇲🇽 cardenal
Word origin
The word 'cardinal' comes from the Latin word 'cardinalis', which means 'important' or 'principal'. The term was first used in the context of the Roman Catholic Church to refer to the high-ranking officials who were considered important in the governance of the Church. Over time, the word came to be used in mathematics to refer to numbers that are used for counting and measuring the size of sets. Today, 'cardinal' is a versatile word that is used in both religious and mathematical contexts.
See also: card, cardigan, carding, cards, cardsharp, postcard.