- -al
- suffix.
1 forming adjectives meaning 'relating to, of the kind of': a from Latin or Greek words (central; regimental; colossal; tropical) (cf. -IAL, -ICAL). b from English nouns (tidal).
2 forming nouns, esp. of verbal action (animal; rival; arrival; proposal; trial).
Etymology: sense 1 f. F -el or L -alis adj. suffix rel. to -aris (-AR(1)); sense 2 f. F -aille or f. (or after) L -alis etc. used as noun
Useful english dictionary. 2012.