n. & adj.
--n.
1. an object, institution, or custom established in memory of a person or event (the Albert Memorial).
2 (often in pl.) hist. a statement of facts as the basis of a petition etc.; a record; an informal diplomatic paper.
--adj. intending to commemorate a person or thing (memorial service).
Phrases and idioms:
Memorial Day US a day on which those who died on active service are remembered, usu. the last Monday in May.
Derivatives:
memorialist n.
Etymology: ME f. OF memorial or L memorialis (as MEMORY)