- any member of a class of words that modify nouns and pronouns, primarily by describing a particular quality of the word they are modifying, as wise in a wise grandmother, or perfect in a perfect score, or handsome in He is extremely handsome. Other terms, as numbers (one cup; twelve months), certain demonstrative pronouns (this magazine; those questions), and terms that impose limits (each person; no mercy) can also function adjectivally, as can some nouns that are found chiefly in fixed phrases where they immediately precede the noun they modify, as bottle in bottle cap and bus in bus station.
- pertaining to or functioning as an adjective; adjectival: the adjective use of a noun.
- concerning methods of enforcement of legal rights, as pleading and practice (opposed to substantive def. 9).
- (of dye colors) requiring a mordant or the like to render them permanent (opposed to substantive def. 10).
- not able to stand alone; dependent: Women were seen by some (by some men, that is) as adjective creatures, needing to be cared for and protected from the vicissitudes of life.
- a word imputing a characteristic to a noun or pronoun
- (as modifier)
- additional or dependent
- (of law) relating to court practice and procedure, as opposed to the principles of law dealt with by the courts
