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Definition of seminal

seminal

/ˈsɛm.ɪ.nəl/
sem · i · nal
Adverb:seminally
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seminal Lexical Profile

seminal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Strongly influencing later developments; original, creative, and formative (especially of a work, event, or idea).

Example

"Darwin's seminal work on evolution fundamentally transformed the study of modern biology."

2

Relating to, containing, or consisting of semen or plant seeds.

Example

"The biologist examined the seminal vesicles under a high-powered microscope."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for seminal

• Nearby Words

semilegendary
semiliquid
semimonthly
seminal
seminar
seminarian
seminarist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French or directly from Latin 'seminalis' (of or relating to seed), from 'semen' (seed), ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *se- (to sow).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Seminal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/seminal
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