Main Entry: ¹ma·jor

Pronunciation: \ˈmā-jər\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English maiour, from Latin major, comparative of magnus great, large — more at much

Date: 15th century

1 : greater in dignity, rank, importance, or interest <one of the major poets>
2 : greater in number, quantity, or extent <the major part of his work>
3 : having attained majority
4 a : notable or conspicuous in effect or scope : considerable <a major improvement> b : prominent or significant in size, amount, or degree <earned some major cash>
5 : involving grave risk : serious <a major illness>
6 : of or relating to a subject of academic study chosen as a field of specialization
7 a : having half steps between the third and fourth and the seventh and eighth degrees <major scale> b : based on a major scale <major key> c : equivalent to the distance between the keynote and another tone (except the fourth and fifth) of a major scale <major third> d : having a major third above the root <major triad>