I. ˈfrənt ə l sometimes -rän- noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English frountel, frontel, from Middle French frontel, from Latin frontale, from front-, frons + -ale (neuter of -alis -al); in sense 2, from Middle English frountel, frontel, from Medieval Latin frontellum, diminutive of Latin front-, frons; in other senses, from frontal (II)
1. : something worn across the forehead ; specifically : an ornamental band often of jewels
2. : a movable decorative piece (as of rich stuff or embroidery) covering the front of an altar in a church
3. : facade
4.
a. : frontal bone
b. : a frontal scale or plate
II. adjective
Etymology: New Latin frontalis, from Latin front-, frons forehead + -alis -al — more at brink
1.
a. : of or relating to the forehead or the frontal bone
b. : of or being a scale or plate lying between the eyes and over the frontal bone in a reptile
2.
a. : belonging to the front part
a frontal appendage
b. : of or relating to the front : taking place from or at the front
to cease all frontal resistance and to limit its activity to guerrilla warfare — D.J.Dallin
c. : directed against the front : delivered upon the main or essential point or issue : direct
a frontal assault on the enemy
frontal attack … on broad problems of human nature — F.A.Geldard
3.
a. : parallel to the main axis of the body and at right angles to the sagittal plane
b. : having or showing frontality
4. : of or relating to a meteorological front
5. : front 2
• fron·tal·ly - ə lē, - ə li adverb