I. ˈkȯ(r)jəl; US sometimes and Brit usually ˈkȯ(r)dyəl or -dēəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin cordialis, from Latin cord-, cor heart + -ialis -ial — more at heart
1. : of, belonging to, or proceeding from the heart : vital
opened my left side and took from thence a rib with cordial spirits warm and life-blood streaming fresh — John Milton
2. : tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate
a cordial medicine or drink
drink this cordial wine — S.T.Coleridge
: invigorating or cheering
for fainting age what cordial drop remains — Alexander Pope
3.
a. : sincerely or deeply felt : heartfelt , hearty
showed a cordial regard for his visitor's comfort
a cordial and active dislike for both his parents — Samuel Butler †1902
b. : showing warm and often hearty friendliness, favor, or approval
they gave us a cordial reception, and a hearty supper, and we sat up talking until a late hour — Herman Melville
relations between white and black … are not merely good: they are cordial — Economist
his argument had cordial support from the experts
Synonyms: see gracious
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : an invigorating and stimulating medicine, food, or drink
the peppermint water and other cordials — Thomas DeQuincey
b. : something that comforts, gladdens, and exhilarates
charms to my sight, and cordials to my mind — John Dryden
2. : liqueur ; sometimes : a somewhat sharp and spicy drink or one made by infusion of fruit juice or wine with spirits