Main Entry: sem·i·nal

Pronunciation: \ˈse-mə-n^əl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin seminalis, from semin-, semen seed — more at semen

Date: 14th century

1 : of, relating to, or consisting of seed or semen
2 : containing or contributing the seeds of later development : creative, original <a seminal book>

— sem·i·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb