I. ˈmen-t ə l adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin mentalis, from Latin ment-, mens mind — more at mind
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : of or relating to the mind ; specifically : of or relating to the total emotional and intellectual response of an individual to external reality
mental health
b. : of or relating to intellectual as contrasted with emotional activity
c. : of, relating to, or being intellectual as contrasted with overt physical activity
d. : occurring or experienced in the mind : inner
mental anguish
e. : relating to the mind, its activity, or its products as an object of study : ideological
f. : relating to spirit or idea as opposed to matter
2.
a.
(1) : of, relating to, or affected by a psychiatric disorder
a mental patient
mental illness
(2) : mentally disordered : mad , crazy
b. : intended for the care or treatment of persons affected by psychiatric disorders
mental hospitals
3. : of or relating to telepathic or mind-reading powers
• men·tal·ly -t ə l-ē adverb
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin mentum chin — more at mouth
Date: circa 1727
: of or relating to the chin : genial