Memorial - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Memorial : (noun)
1: a recognition of meritorious service [syn: commemoration, remembrance]
2: a written statement of facts submitted in conjunction with a petition to an authority
3: a structure erected to commemorate persons or events [syn: monument]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Memorial : \Me*mo"ri*al\, a. [F. m['e]morial, L. memorialis, fr. memoria. See Memory.] 1. Serving to preserve remembrance; commemorative; as, a memorial building.

There high in air, memorial of my name, Fix the smooth oar, and bid me live to fame. --Pope.

2. Contained in memory; as, a memorial possession.

3. Mnemonic; assisting the memory.

This succession of Aspirate, Soft, and Hard, may be expressed by the memorial word ASH. --Skeat.

Memorial Day. Same as Decoration Day. [U.S.]

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Memorial : \Me*mo"ri*al\, n. [Cf. F. m['e]morial.] 1. Anything intended to preserve the memory of a person or event; something which serves to keep something else in remembrance; a monument. --Macaulay.

Churches have names; some as memorials of peace, some of wisdom, some in memory of the Trinity itself. --Hooker.

2. A memorandum; a record. [Obs. or R.] --Hayward.

3. A written representation of facts, addressed to the government, or to some branch of it, or to a society, etc., -- often accompanied with a petition.

4. Memory; remembrance. [Obs.]

Precious is the memorial of the just. --Evelyn.

5. (Diplomacy) A species of informal state paper, much used in negotiation.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)