imaginal

1 of 2

adjective (1)

imag·​i·​nal i-ˈma-jə-nᵊl 

: of or relating to imagination, images, or imagery

imaginal

2 of 2

adjective (2)

ima·​gi·​nal i-ˈma-jə-nᵊl  -ˈmā-  -ˈmä-gə- 

: of or relating to the insect imago

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• graphic
• graphical
• pictorial
• visual

Examples of imaginal in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

after a desensitizing series of imaginal exposures to the feared object, the phobic person is then exposed to the actual object

the equator is merely an imaginal line

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024

Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice. —USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

Then, from bundles of cells known as imaginal disks, a new body takes form. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

borrowed from Late Latin imāginālis, from Latin imāgin-, imāgō image entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

Adjective (2)

New Latin imāgin-, imāgō imago + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1638, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1877, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

imaginal

1 of 2 adjective

imag·​i·​nal im-ˈaj-ən-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or involving imagination, images, or imagery

imaginal

2 of 2 adjective

ima·​gi·​nal im-ˈā-gən-ᵊl  -ˈäg-ən- 

: of or relating to the insect imago