adj. & n.
--adj.
1. (of a living being, esp. a human) subject to death.
2 (often foll. by to) causing death; fatal.
3 (of a battle) fought to the death.
4 associated with death (mortal agony).
5 (of an enemy) implacable.
6 (of pain, fear, an affront, etc.) intense, very serious.
7 colloq. a very great (in a mortal hurry). b long and tedious (for two mortal hours).
8 colloq. conceivable, imaginable (every mortal thing; of no mortal use).
--n.
1. a mortal being, esp. a human.
2 joc. a person described in some specified way (a thirsty mortal).
Phrases and idioms:
mortal sin Theol. a grave sin that is regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace.
Derivatives:
mortally adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF mortal, mortel or L mortalis f. mors mortis death