Seminal
/ˈsɛm.ɪ.nəl/noun
Relating to or denoting semen; also, influential or formative.
Did you know?In ancient alchemical texts, 'seminal' referred to the vital essence believed to hold the power of transformation and creation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*semen
“seed; the source of life.”
Latin
Latin
semen
“seed, offspring, or progeny.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
seminalis
“of seed; pertaining to generation.”
14th Century
Middle English
seminal
“relating to the essence or origin of ideas or thoughts.”
Modern English
English
seminal
“influential, formative, or having the quality of seed.”