Adnominal

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌædˈnɑ.mɪ.nəl/

Definitions

1. A linguistic term that denotes a modifier situated before a noun to specify its meaning
2. A grammatical element that serves to qualify a noun by introducing descriptive attributes or details directly preceding it
3. A descriptor used in grammar to modify a noun by providing additional information that clarifies or specifies its meaning

Etymology: "Adnominal" is a grammarian's coinage built to fit a pattern. English already had "adverbial", the adjective for modifying verbs, and "nominal", the adjective form of "noun". Putting "ad-" (from Latin "ad", "to" or "toward") in front of "noun" produced "adnoun", a word for a modifier that attaches to a noun, and the adjective "adnominal" followed the same logic. The word therefore has no ancient history at all. Its parts are a Latin preposition and an English word, joined by analogy rather than inherited through centuries of use. Its usefulness lies in the grammar of modification: an adnominal element is anything that sits alongside a noun and describes it, such as an adjective in "a red car" or a possessive in "her book".

Synonyms: attributive, INVALID, INVALID, INVALID, INVALID