ˈvərn ə l, ˈvə̄n-, ˈvəin- adjective
Etymology: Latin vernalis, from vernus vernal (from ver spring) + -alis -al; akin to Greek ear spring, Old Irish errach, Old Slavic vesna, Sanskrit vasanta and probably to Old Norse vār spring and perhaps to Latin aurora dawn — more at east
1.
a. : appearing or occurring in the spring
vernal flora
vernal catarrh
b. of migratory birds : arriving at the breeding range in spring
2. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the spring
vernal sunshine
the vernal softness of first bloom — Claudia Cassidy
3. : resembling or suggesting the spring of the year especially in freshness, gentleness, or newness : springlike
vernal freshness of a child — Coulton Waugh
• ver·nal·ly -n ə lē, -li adverb