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). Memorial Day US a day on which those who died on active service are remembered, usu. the last Monday in May. memorialist n.
[ ME f. OF memorial or L memorialis (as MEMORY) ]