Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to the forehead or the front part of the head: Pertaining to the anatomical region of the forehead or the frontal bone.
   • Directed at or facing the front: Involving a direct, head-on orientation or confrontation.
   • Meteorological term for the front of an air mass: Relating to the boundary or leading edge of an advancing mass of air.
   • Situated at or belonging to the front part: Located at or pertaining to the foremost part of something.

2. Noun:

   • The face or front of a building: The façade or principal front view of a structure.
   • A decorative cloth for an altar: A drapery or hanging that covers the front of an altar.
   • A forehead ornament: An adornment, such as a band or jewel, worn on the forehead.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The patient suffered damage to the frontal lobes of the brain.
  • The army launched a frontal assault on the enemy's position.
  • Meteorologists predicted heavy rain due to an approaching frontal system.
  • The sculpture's frontal features were remarkably detailed.

• Noun:

  • The building's ornate frontal was restored to its original grandeur.
  • The priest adjusted the embroidered frontal on the altar.
  • She wore a delicate silver frontal as part of her traditional costume.

Advanced Usage

• "Frontal lobe" (noun phrase): The anterior part of each cerebral hemisphere, responsible for higher cognitive functions.

  • Injuries to the frontal lobe can affect personality and decision-making.

• "Frontal boundary" (noun phrase): In meteorology, the interface where two different air masses meet.

  • Severe thunderstorms formed along the frontal boundary.

Variants and Related Words

• Frontally (adverb): In a frontal manner; from or at the front.

  • The tumor was approached frontally during the surgery.

• Frontality (noun): The quality of being frontal; in art, the representation of a figure facing directly forward.

  • The ancient Egyptian art is known for its strict frontality.

Synonyms

• Anterior (adj): Located before or at the front.
• Head-on (adj): Directly facing, especially in a conflict.
• Façade (n): The front of a building.

Related Phrases

• Full-frontal (adj): Complete and direct, often used to describe a direct confrontation or, informally, nudity.
  • The documentary was a full-frontal critique of the policy.

Idioms

• (To take/meet something) head-on / frontal (informal usage): To confront a problem or challenge directly and without avoidance.
  • We decided to meet the issue frontal and address all concerns immediately.

Adjective

1. of or adjacent to the forehead or frontal bone
   • the frontal lobes
2. meeting front to front
   • a frontal attack
   • a head-on collision
3. of or relating to the front of an advancing mass of air
   • frontal rainfall
4. belonging to the front part
   • a frontal appendage

Noun

1. the face or front of a building
2. a drapery that covers the front of an altar
3. an adornment worn on the forehead