n. & adj.
n. Gram. 1 the case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, expressing the subject of a verb. 2 a word in this case.
adj. 1 Gram. of or in this case. 2 of, or appointed by, nomination (as distinct from election). nominatival adj.
[ ME f. OF nominatif -ive or L nominativus (as NOMINATE), transl. Gk onomastike (ptosis case) ]