Seminal

Seminal   

sem·i·nal  [sem-uh-nl]  Show IPA

adjective

1.

pertaining to, containing, or consisting of semen.

2.

Botany . of or pertaining to seed.

3.

having possibilities of future development.

4.

highly original and influencing the development of future events: a seminal artist; seminal ideas.

Origin: 

1350–1400; Middle English  < Latin sēminālis,  equivalent to sēmin-  (stem of sēmen ) seed, semen + -ālis -al1

Related forms

sem·i·nal·i·ty, noun.

sem·i·nal·ly, adverb.

in·ter·sem·i·nal, adjective.

pre·sem·i·nal, adjective.

Synonyms 

4. germinal, primary, formative, innovative.