actinal

1 of 2

adjective

ac·​ti·​nal
ˈak-tə-nəl,
(ˈ)ak-¦tī-nᵊl
: belonging to the part of a radiate animal from which the tentacles or arms radiate and where the mouth is situated
often used as an equivalent of oral
actinally
ˈak-tə-nə-lē
(ˈ)ak-¦tī-nᵊl-ē
adverb

-actinal

2 of 2

adjective combining form

-ac·​ti·​nal
¦ak-tə-nəl,
ˌak-¦tī-nᵊl

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek aktīn-, aktís "ray, beam, spoke of a wheel" + -al entry 1

Adjective combining form

Greek aktīn-, aktís "ray, beam, spoke of a wheel" + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinal was in 1857

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near actinal

Cite this Entry

“Actinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinal. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!